The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)’s Texas WIC program (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) is launching an awareness campaign this holiday season to encourage eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding moms and families with children up to age 5 to apply for the program and its many benefits. If accepted to the WIC program, Texas families would likely see their benefits kick in early in 2025.
Texas WIC provides free resources to actively improve the diets of infants and children as well as pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women. Program benefits include monthly healthy food packages (which include fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs and cheese), nutrition counseling, live and self-paced breastfeeding and nutrition classes and expert breastfeeding support.
WIC leads to healthier pregnancies and babies. Participation in WIC during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth and lower risk of infants needing care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
WIC sets a nutritional foundation for Texas families and children by providing the education, support, and inspiration they are already seeking— to eat well, have safe pregnancies, breastfeed successfully and raise healthy families. The federally funded initiative ensures that families who might otherwise struggle to meet the nutritional needs of their children have the necessary resources to thrive and have peace of mind.
Anyone with children under the age of 5 can apply for the program, including dads, foster parents, guardians or grandparents. Pregnant women can apply for the program as soon as they learn they are expecting.
WIC recently updated its income guidelines to allow more Texas families to participate. Eligibility for the WIC program depends on your income and the number of people in your household.
This year, WIC reached the 50-year milestone of helping Texas families access healthy food not just during the holidays, but year-round. Since 1974, Texas WIC has provided assistance to more than 7 million women. Today, the program serves more than 800,000 women, infants and children each month.
“When I became a WIC mom, I was able to get a free breast pump when my insurance wasn’t able to provide one,” said Ashley Castro, Texas WIC recipient and mother of two. “I was
also able to get free fruit and vegetables, milk, eggs, pasta, tortillas... everything that made it possible for me to have a healthy diet. Me and my family. I was able to meet with a nutritionist that was able to help me plan healthy foods for my family. I was able to speak with a breastfeeding peer counselor and she answered any questions that I had.”
For more information or to apply to the WIC program, visit TexasWIC.org/apply or call 800-942-3678.