Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Mission
To provide women, infants and children with healthy food and the knowledge and opportunity to make healthy choices in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, thus enhancing the potential for all Californians to enjoy a higher quality of life.
Goals:
WIC provides federally-funded temporary assistance for Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently had a baby; and Infants and Children under five years of age.
Purpose
The purpose of the WIC program is to prevent health problems and to improve the health of participants during critical times of growth and development. WIC is unique in that it provides specific foods and nutrition education to a specified target population as an adjunct to ongoing health care. WIC is not an entitlement program, it must operate within funding levels established annually by Congress. In Ventura County, 28,625 residents receive WIC benefits. Numerous studies have shown WIC's positive impact in improving health. Cost effectiveness studies by the General Accounting Office (GAO) have shown that for every dollar spent to provide prenatal women with WIC foods and services, $3 are saved in reduced medical costs to the mother and the new baby.
Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County
The Breastfeeding Coalition meets monthly at the Ventura County Health Care Agency, 2240 E. Gonzales Road, second floor, Oxnard CA 93036.
For more information, visit www.breastfeedventura.org
Contact Information
Click here to go to our contacts page.
Equal Access Policy
Equal Access:“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”