Healthy Foods for Healthy Families
By Your Side, Pregnancy to 5
At WIC (Women, Infants and Children), you will learn about choosing foods for a healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding your newborn baby, feeding your family healthful foods, and much more.
For more than 50 years, the Delaware County Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) has provided valuable breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, and healthy food to thousands of pregnant individuals and families with young children.
Every year, WIC serves about 7,600 participants – 62 percent of the eligible women and children in the county. WIC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of moms and babies during critical stages of growth and development and throughout their lives.
WIC supplements the foods families buy and can be redeemed at any WIC-authorized store. The program’s foods contain protein, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium that are found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, eggs, canned or dried beans, cereal, iron-fortified infant formula, infant foods, canned fish, and special formulas when medically necessary. In addition, WIC staff can help you plan healthy and delicious meals.
What are the goals of WIC?
Poor nutrition during pregnancy can adversely affect fetal development and increase pregnancy risks, including preterm births and low birthweight babies. Furthermore, poor nutrition predisposes children to chronic conditions later in life, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, bone health conditions, intellectual deficits, immunity problems, and diabetes. WIC aims to:
- Decrease the complications of pregnancy;
- Prevent low birth weight babies;
- Decrease iron deficiency anemia;
- Support breastfeeding; and
- Promote optimum growth and development of infants and young children.
Each WIC agency employs nutritionists who have completed a minimum of four years of education and training in dietetics or a related area at an accredited college or university.
WIC nutritionists are trained to provide personalized nutrition counseling and guidance on healthy eating habits for pregnant people and all members of the family. They also provide breastfeeding education and support, health and nutrition screenings, and referrals to social service organizations. Information about participating in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for eligible clients is also included for WIC clients.
Who qualifies for WIC Benefits?
To qualify for WIC benefits, applicants must have a medical or nutritional risk, a household gross income less than 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines, and be one of the following:
- Pregnant
- A woman who has given birth within the last six months
- A woman who is breastfeeding an infant less than 12 months of age
- An infant or child, including a foster child, who is less than 5 years old
How do I apply for WIC benefits?
- Contact the Family Village WIC Call Center: 484-471-3320
- Call the PA WIC toll-free hotline 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467)
- Be connected with the WIC office closest to your home.
Visit PA WIC for more information or to complete and submit an online pre-application form
What documents do I need to apply?
When enrolling in WIC or completing a recertification appointment, please be prepared to email proof of identity for each applicant to your local WIC office before your appointment. Proof of identity can include a photo ID such as a driver’s license or current school ID, or two of the following:
- Birth certificate
- Resident card
- Health insurance card
- Passport or consular identification card
- Passport
- Voter registration card
- Immunization record
- Baby’s hospital papers
- Crib card/footprints
In addition, you must show:
- Proof of income for everyone in the household, such as current pay stubs, an unemployment card, or an income tax return
- Medical Assistance cards and/or statement of benefits received through TANF or food stamps, if applicable
- Proof of Pennsylvania residency, such as a driver’s license, a copy of a lease, a utility bill, or recent mail with your name and address
- Immunization records for all children 2 years of age or younger
- Children under age 5
- If applicable, proof of pregnancy from your doctor stating your due date
- Blood work results (hematocrit or hemoglobin) if available
Where is my local WIC office?
Visit our Locations Page for address and contact information.
- Eddystone
- Springfield
- Upper Darby
Where can I learn More About Nutrition and Breastfeeding?
Since breastfeeding offers many health benefits for both mother and baby, WIC encourages all pregnant women to consider breastfeeding. Mother’s milk is easy to digest and soothes the baby’s stomach. It is the babies first source of immunization, protecting against asthma, infections, allergies, and obesity as they grow. Eating a well-balanced diet and teaching healthy habits can put children on track for a healthy future.
WIC moms can call the WIC Nutrition and Breastfeeding Helpline with questions regarding breastfeeding, how and when to introduce solid foods, how to manage picky eaters and food allergies, and how to get support from a certified lactation counselor.
Delaware County WIC Breastfeeding Helpline: 610-605-3702
Mondays- Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Helpline: 855-427-5666
Monday- Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Can I Make a Referral?
It is easy to refer your patients to WIC. Instruct your patient to contact the WIC Appointment Call Center at 484-471-3320. Trained call center staff will provide information, answer questions, and connect your patient to the WIC office closest to their home.
WIC physician referral forms: