CCHD WIC
Crawford County Health Department's WIC Program Recognized for Excellence
Crawford County Health Department’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program received a Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence on August 1, 2023 from the Midwest Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Nineteen awards were handed out across the Midwest region; Crawford County was one of only four agencies in Illinois to receive the award.
“USDA established the award program to recognize local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support to WIC moms,” said Dr. Vista Suarez Fletcher FNS Midwest Regional Administrator. "The intent is to provide models to help other WIC clinics strengthen their breastfeeding programs to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates nationwide.”
WIC serves to safeguard the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. WIC serves about half of all babies born in the country and is uniquely positioned to help moms successfully breastfeed.
“Breastfeeding is best for babies and mothers. The WIC team at Crawford County Health Department works hard to provide education and support services to our WIC participants who are pregnant or have just become new mothers. We take pride in being a member of the community that promotes and supports breastfeeding.” Melissa Williams, RN, WIC Coordinator, Crawford County Health Department.
“Supporting breastfeeding women is my passion, I've really poured my heart into growing the best breastfeeding program possible. I am so honored that the CCHD WIC team has received this prestigious award, but even more rewarding is the feeling of knowing you are making a difference for a new mom and baby, there's nothing quite like it!” Amy Howell, CLS, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Crawford County Health Department.
Crawford County Health Department supports and encourages breastfeeding women in many ways including:
Crawford County Health Department’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program received a Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence on August 1, 2023 from the Midwest Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Nineteen awards were handed out across the Midwest region; Crawford County was one of only four agencies in Illinois to receive the award.
“USDA established the award program to recognize local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support to WIC moms,” said Dr. Vista Suarez Fletcher FNS Midwest Regional Administrator. "The intent is to provide models to help other WIC clinics strengthen their breastfeeding programs to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates nationwide.”
WIC serves to safeguard the health of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. WIC serves about half of all babies born in the country and is uniquely positioned to help moms successfully breastfeed.
“Breastfeeding is best for babies and mothers. The WIC team at Crawford County Health Department works hard to provide education and support services to our WIC participants who are pregnant or have just become new mothers. We take pride in being a member of the community that promotes and supports breastfeeding.” Melissa Williams, RN, WIC Coordinator, Crawford County Health Department.
“Supporting breastfeeding women is my passion, I've really poured my heart into growing the best breastfeeding program possible. I am so honored that the CCHD WIC team has received this prestigious award, but even more rewarding is the feeling of knowing you are making a difference for a new mom and baby, there's nothing quite like it!” Amy Howell, CLS, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Crawford County Health Department.
Crawford County Health Department supports and encourages breastfeeding women in many ways including:
- Offering WIC participants personalized breastfeeding support and ongoing assistance 24/7 by phone or text, including evenings, weekends and holidays
- Offering breastfeeding consults in the office, home, & hospital settings
- Providing information & promoting breastfeeding through our dedicated Facebook page CCHD Breastfeeding Support & Education
- Collaborating with community partners to better serve our clients
- Requiring all WIC staff to complete basic Breastfeeding Curriculum Training
- Providing monthly breastfeeding support groups & free prenatal breastfeeding classes
- Recognizing & celebrating women’s breastfeeding successes and promoting breastfeeding with community events such as our annual World Breastfeeding Week celebration and our “Breastfeeding Wall of Fame”
What is WIC?
WIC is the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. The program provides nutritious foods and nutrition education to eligible participants. The WIC goal...
WIC strives to improve the health of participants by providing the following benefits:
Am I Eligible?WIC is offered to persons who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Category
A nutrition and health assessment includes:
WIC Income Guidelines increased as of July 1, 2023! Participants must meet USDA income standards. Click the link below to view income guidelines. If you are a pregnant woman, have a child under the age of 5 years or an infant, you may apply to receive supplemental food from the WIC program. Please call 544-8798 for more information or to apply. WIC is a supplemental food program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 
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Am I eligible? Find out with the WIC Pre-screening Tool
WIC Income Guidelines
WIC & Breastfeeding
Personal breastfeeding support is available at no cost through Crawford County Health Department's WIC-sponsored peer counselor program.
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What foods are available?
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How does it all work?Eligible participants are issued a WIC EBT card which can be used at WIC approved stores. This is good for specified foods approved through the WIC program. In addition, nutrition education classes are provided to participants on a variety of topics including infant nutrition, nutrition during pregnancy, iron-rich foods, shopping on a limited budget, snack foods for children and a number of other topics. Clients can choose any of the educational sessions which meets their special needs. They may also have the option to participate in "online" nutrition education.
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What happens at a clinic visit?The following information is required to be reviewed at the appointment:
Other information to bring:
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How can I apply?Many participants in the WIC Program have jobs. In addition, they may receive Food Stamps, Public Aid, General Assistance, School Lunch, Head Start, and still be on WIC. To see if you are eligible, call your local WIC Clinic at Crawford County Health Department.
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