Background
Part of the nation’s nutrition safety net for over 40 years, WIC now serves more than 8 million pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children in the US. For a family to participate, it must have gross income of no more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level and be at nutritional risk. To simplify program administration, an applicant who already receives SNAP (formerly food stamps), Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash assistance is automatically considered income-eligible.
Extensive research has found WIC to be a cost-effective investment that improves the nutrition and health of low-income families — leading to healthier infants, more nutritious diets and better health care for children, and subsequently to higher academic achievement for students. As a result of the research documenting WIC’s effectiveness, Administrations and Congresses of both parties have provided sufficient funding since 1997 to ensure that WIC can serve all eligible low-income pregnant women, infants, and young children who apply for it.
Key facts
In fiscal year 2015 (October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015), WIC served about 8 million participants per month nationwide, including approximately 1,265,000 participants per month in California. In California, nearly 60% of infants born each year are eligible for WIC.
California has 83 local WIC agencies, which can include county health departments, federally qualified health centers, non-profit agencies, and other types of organization such as universities. These agencies provide WIC services in more than 500 sites throughout California.
California has more than 4,000 authorized vendors/grocers where WIC participants can redeem their food vouchers.
Me and My Family
WIC is a health and nutrition program for growing families. WIC helps families by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, vouchers for healthy foods, and referrals to healthcare and other community services.
Find out if you qualify for WIC
To learn how to get WIC services, to change or re-schedule a visit, or if you have questions about your next WIC visit, please call: 805.981.5251 or Toll-Free (in Ventura County) 800.781.4449 option 3
You can also E-Mail or Text Message us at wic.program@ventura.org (standard text message rates may apply)
Find a WIC local agency near you
For questions, concerns, complaints, and suggestions please contact us or complete this Comment Form
Si tiene preguntas, preocupación, quejas o sugerencias por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros o complete esta Forma de Sugerencias
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."
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.
Program Director
Katie Rowe MS, RD
Send E-Mail
Equal Access Policy
“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."
