Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Pregnancy and parenthood come with a steep learning curve. It's normal to worry about what is best for your child — whether it's your first baby or your fifth. You might worry about eating healthy enough while you are pregnant or have questions about breastfeeding. You may wonder if your child eats enough as they grow or how you'll afford healthy foods.
Abigail Parke had these questions and more when she found out she was pregnant. It sometimes felt impossible to learn to take care of herself and get ready to have a baby at the same time.
That's when Abigail found WIC.
WIC provides education, nutrition services, and healthy foods to eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. Abigail was able to get resources to learn about nutrition and buy the healthy food she needed to give birth to a healthy baby a few months later.
The support from WIC didn't stop after her baby was born. The WIC clinic gave Abigail information, support, and tools to keep herself and her baby happy and healthy all through her baby's first few years. WIC gave her healthy foods, one-on-one counseling, online nutrition classes, and resources to support her family. WIC helped her learn how to feed her baby, shop on a budget, breastfeed, and how to make healthy meals.
Abigail didn't worry when she got pregnant again because she knew she could count on WIC to be there every step of the way.
WIC helps about 47,000 people in Utah each month. This includes support during and after pregnancy for moms like Abigail.
What WIC offers
WIC provides nutrition education and healthy foods so families can eat healthier. They also offer breastfeeding support, classes and resources, and referrals to other community programs.
How WIC works
You have access to foods that meet the specific nutritional needs for your family. You can buy WIC foods at more than 270 grocery stores across the state with your WIC card (kind of like a debit card). WIC foods include fruits and vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, dried beans, peanut butter, and other healthy food.
One thing Abigail loves about the WIC program is the advice, education, and care from the WIC clinic staff at her visits. You can talk with WIC nurses or nutritionists and have one-on-one counseling sessions, take part in online or group nutrition classes, and get educational materials at one of WIC's 46 clinics across the state. You can even go to some appointments by phone or video calls.
How to know if you qualify for the WIC program
WIC benefits are for infants and children up to age 5, pregnant women, women who had a baby within the last year (postpartum), and women who are breastfeeding.
Use the WIC eligibility calculator to see if you qualify. Then call, text, or visit a WIC clinic at your local health department to apply.
This year marks 50 years of WIC serving and supporting Utah families, like Abigail's. She says her favorite part of the program is that it is for both her and her kids. She is able to set a good example of healthy eating and provide healthy food for her kids.
Abigail's story shows what WIC does. WIC takes away the pressure and stress of being able to afford healthy food for your family — so you can focus on what really matters — each other.
