Ohio Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), administered by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), is a federally funded initiative focused on improving health outcomes for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. Designed to reduce infant mortality and improve early childhood health through nutrition, WIC provides essential support to families across the state of Ohio. The program offers supplemental nutritious foods, education on healthy eating, and referrals to health care and social services, all aimed at ensuring optimal development during critical stages of life. WIC services are currently funded and operational, with benefits being distributed through local WIC clinics. The program prioritizes vulnerable populations including low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, postpartum women, and children under five who are at nutritional risk. WIC aims to mitigate adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, which is associated with long-term health challenges. By targeting early nutritional deficiencies and health risks, the program plays a key role in reducing healthcare costs and enhancing long-term wellbeing. In addition to food packages tailored to nutritional needs, participants receive education on breastfeeding and infant nutrition, further promoting positive maternal and child health behaviors. Operationally, the WIC program supports its services through an established network of local clinics throughout Ohio. Interested individuals can apply by visiting a WIC clinic, using the prescreening tool available online to assess eligibility, and completing an application either in person or by downloading and submitting a printed form. The program also incorporates voter registration support in compliance with the National Voter Registration Act, making WIC clinics accessible locations for civic engagement. Key services include the distribution of nutrient-rich foods such as milk, cereal, eggs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and iron-fortified infant formula. Breastfeeding support is a central feature, providing both educational resources and peer counseling. Furthermore, participants are referred to prenatal and pediatric health services and may also receive assistance with housing, employment, or social services through partnerships with other agencies. This integrated approach ensures that participants receive comprehensive support beyond nutritional aid. The WIC program is sustained through federal funding channels but administered locally. While specific award amounts and cycles are not disclosed in the current program announcement, the consistent availability of services through November, as mentioned, suggests ongoing financial commitment. Clinics remain operational and participants are encouraged to continue accessing their benefits. Contact information is provided to help individuals report suspected fraud or to request guidance regarding their benefits. There are multiple resources available for WIC participants and stakeholders, including guides on how to use WIC Nutrition Cards, instructions for downloading and navigating the WICShopper App, and multilingual support materials. The Ohio Department of Health maintains open communication through designated email addresses and phone lines for both general WIC inquiries and EBT-specific issues. The program’s continued operations indicate a stable cycle of funding and service delivery, although application cycles for new service providers or expansions are not currently detailed.