Questions
- Is the WIC Program effective?
- Who are the WIC providers in Orange County, and how many people per month do they serve?
- How can I get WIC services?
- What foods do I get with WIC?
- I work--am I still eligible for WIC?
- Will receiving WIC services affect a participant's application for citizenship?
- Who do I call for information on Nutrition Services programs?
Answers
Is the WIC Program effective?
Absolutely! WIC WORKS. More than 70 research studies repeatedly demonstrate that WIC helps women and children lead healthier lives and saves public and private health care dollars.
An October 1991 USDA study showed that each dollar invested in WIC's prenatal component saved between $1.77 and $3.13 in Medicaid costs in just the first 60 days of life. Pregnant mothers on WIC have a reduced chance of giving birth to low-birthweight babies, therefore reducing the number of expensive hospitalizations after birth. An earlier study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that each dollar spent on WIC's prenatal component saves three dollars in hospital costs.
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Who are the WIC providers in Orange County, and how many people per month do they serve?
|
Providers
|
Numbers
Served
(09/2005)
|
| County of Orange Health Care Agency |
44,425 |
| Public Health Foundation Enterprises |
39,831 |
| Camino Health Center |
5,150 |
Planned Parenthood of Orange/San Bernardino Counties
|
17,275 |
|
TOTAL
|
10 |
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How can I get WIC services?
You must be pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum or have children under five years of age. You can call (714) 834-8333 for an initial screening and appointment. You will be asked a few questions regarding your income, medical information and place of residence to determine your eligibility. If you are income eligible after the initial screening, you will be given an enrollment appointment and will be asked to bring information for further screening.
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What foods do I get with WIC?
You may get some of the following foods depending on your nutritional need: Milk, cheese, juice, cereal, eggs, dried beans, peanut butter, baby cereal, baby formula with iron, carrots and canned tuna. WIC foods are high in protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A, C and D. WIC foods will help you and your family stay healthy and feel good.
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I work--am I still eligible for WIC?
You may still be eligible to receive WIC services even if you work. For example, a family of four may earn a monthly gross income (before tax) of up to $3,334 or $19.24 an hour and still be eligible. You will need to call (714) 834-8333 for an initial screening. If you are eligible, you will need to provide proof of income. (updated 5/1/2006)
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Will receiving WIC services affect a participant's application for citizenship?
No, receiving WIC benefits is not considered a public charge and should not affect a participant's application for U.S. citizenship.
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Who do I call for information on Nutrition Services programs?
You can call (714) 834-7877 and your call will be forwarded to a Public Health Nutritionist who will return your call as soon as possible.
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