reply to this discussion 3 references needed yves 1

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children more commonly known as WIC is a federally funded program available to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five. According to Bersak and Sonchak (2017), the program educates families on ways to improve infant health by supplementing their diets, educating families on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion. Additionally, they offer a support network including referrals to health care and social services. WIC was established in the USA in 1975. According to Sonchak (2016), it is the third-largest nutrition and assistance program, serving approximately 8.6 million women and children every month. According to Healthy Chicago (2020) in order to apply for WIC, an individual must be low income and at nutritional risk. One must show proof of identity, income, address, and proof of pregnancy if expecting. Once enrolled in the program, participants receive nutrition and breastfeeding counseling and assistance with smoking cessation. Participants also receive a monthly check for items such as milk, eggs, cereal, cheese, and produce. Infants receive infant formula and as they age, they receive cereal and baby food. According to Bersak and Sonchak (2017), web-based classes are also available. This program is essential and effective because it allows women to give birth to healthier babies.

References

Bersak, T., & Sonchak, L. (2017). The impact of WIC on infant immunizations and health care utilization. Health Services Research, 52(6), N.PAG. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.12810

Sonchak, L. (2016). The impact of WIC on birth outcomes: New evidence from South Carolina. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 20(7), 1518–1525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-1951-y

Public Health: Healthy Chicago. (2020). WIC (Women Infant Children program). https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthymothers_and_babies/svcs/apply_for_wic_.html