WIC is a supplemental Food and Nutrition Program designed for families with income eligible Women (pregnant or postpartum/breastfeeding), Infants, and Children to the age of 5. WIC also helps fathers of young children, grandparents, and foster parents who are the legal guardians of young children.
The program provides vouchers for WIC approved foods, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and health referrals to families.
WIC approved foods provide essential vitamins and minerals needed to support growth. Foods may include milk, plain yogurt, cheese, tofu, 100% fruit juice, soy-based beverages, eggs, fruits, vegetables, legumes, peanut butter, infant formulas and infant cereals, baby foods, hot and cold cereals, whole grain breads/tortillas, whole wheat pasta and brown rice.
You are eligible for the WIC program if:
1. You are a NYS resident who is a pregnant woman of any age, an infant or child up to 5 years of age, a mother of a baby that is up to six months of age, or a breastfeeding mother of a baby that is up to 12 months of age; and 2. You meet income eligibility guidelines OR are receiving benefits from Food Stamps, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, WIC is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
To get more information about or to apply for the WIC Program and services call the WIC Program Coordinator, Krista Berger. You can contact her by calling 518-873-3565 or via email at Krista.Berger@essexcountyny.gov
Bring to Your Appointment
· Proof of identity for each person applying.
· Proof of where you live. The proof must show your actual street address, not a post office box.
· Proof of income for each household member who works. Documentation must be for the last 30 days.
· Proof of your participation in Medicaid, or SNAP/Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
· Immunization records for children if available.
· Confirmation of pregnancy – a statement from your health care provider with your baby’s due date.
· Any WIC Medical forms given to you by your health care provider.
Ausable Forks Town of Jay offices
Elizabethtown Public Health Department
Keeseville Methodist Church
Lake Placid Shipman Youth Center
Moriah Fire Department
Port Henry St.Patrick’s Church
Schroon Lake Health Center
Ticonderoga Cornerstone Alliance Church
Essex County WIC Program promotes breastfeeding as the #1 choice for newborn and infant nutrition. Breastfeeding provides your baby with perfect nourishment containing the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs for excellent health. Breast milk is easier for your baby to digest and creates a bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding also has health benefits for the nursing mother.
We can connect you with a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. Peer counselors are mothers who have breastfed at least one infant and received special training from WIC in how to provide breastfeeding support. Call us at 873-3560 for more information.
We can issue personal use breast pumps or loan out hospital-grade breast pumps to WIC participants. The type of pump issued depends on the participant’s needs and available pumps at the time of request. There is no fee for breast pump loan or issuance!
BreastfeedingPartners.org is site for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and breastfeeding peer counselors by the NYS WIC Training Center.
NYS WIC Breastfeeding Information and Support Link
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Link A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs may be purchased with FMNP coupons.
March of Dimes Not-for-profit organization for pregnancy & baby health dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
