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Crawford County Health Department
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CCHD WIC

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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.
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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”
More information about WIC and breastfeeding can be found at www.fns.usda.gov/wic, www.cchd.net, and/or by contacting Crawford County Health Department at 618-544-8798, Option #3.


What is WIC?

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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:
  • Nutritious Foods
  • Nutrition Education and Counseling
  • Links to other Health and Social Service Agencies


Am I Eligible?

WIC is offered to persons who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Category
  • Pregnant Women
  • Postpartum Women (up to 6 months after delivery)
  • Breastfeeding Women (up to 12 months after delivery)
  • Infants
  • Children up to 5 years
Nutrition/Health Risk
A nutrition and health assessment includes:
  • Height & Weight Measurements
  • Hematocrit or Hemoglobin
  • Health History & Diet Assessment
Income
​​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

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WIC Income Guidelines
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WIC & Breastfeeding

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Personal breastfeeding support is available at no cost through Crawford County Health Department's WIC-sponsored peer counselor program.
LEARN MORE

What foods are available?

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  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Instant Formula
  • Eggs
  • Juice
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Cereal
  • Peanut Butter
  • Dried Peas
  • Dried Beans
  • Infant Cereal
  • Infant Juice


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.

What happens at a clinic visit?


The following information is required to be reviewed at the appointment:
  1. Birth certificate or hospital footprints for infants and/or children
  2. Proof of income - two recent wage stubs, Public Aid Card, Income Tax
  3. Proof of address - rent receipt, utility bill, etc.
  4. Proof of pregnancy - a doctor's statement or positive pregnancy results from a health care provider.
  5. Bring eligible child/children scheduled for WIC clinic

Other information to bring:
  1. Social Security Card
  2. Immunization Records
  3. WIC I.D. card if available
The above information is reviewed, along with the participants health history. A health screening is performed on each participant. From there, information is plotted on growth charts and evaluated individually to determine WIC eligibility. Participants are then counseled by a health professional. Eating habits are discussed and food histories are evaluated. At that time, each participant is informed of their eligibility and WIC Program responsibilities.
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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.

Crawford County Health Department
​202 N. Christopher Blvd. Robinson, IL 62454  |  Phone 618-544-8798  |   Fax 618-544-9398

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  • Home
  • About CCHD
    • Services & Fees
    • Employment
    • Staff
    • Board of Health >
      • Notices and Agendas
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    • Volunteers
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  • WIC
    • Breastfeeding
  • COVID-19
  • Nursing Division
  • Environmental Health
    • Food Services
    • Water
    • Private Sewage
    • Pests & Pest Control
    • Smoke-Free Illinois
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  • Behavioral Health
  • Health Education
    • Safe Kids
    • All Kids
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    • Tobacco Facts
  • Press Releases
  • Emergency Preparedness and Bioterrorism