Changes to WIC program to help families eat healthier

Posted: Sep 2, 2010 5:32 PM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Sep 2, 2010 8:56 PM

Promoting healthier families with changes in the WIC program

There are some changes to the WCI program meant to be a healthy boost for local families. In Santa Barbara County, last year there were about 18,000 clients enrolled in WCI. It's the women, infants and children program. So far this year, there are around 18,400 people taking advantage. However, the county received funding this year for almost 19,500 people.

Magdalena Velasco has been on WIC for three years. The Santa Maria mom has two children. She said, "My husband is the only one that works. He has to pay rent and we have to buy food." When clients head to the grocery store, they now have some healthier options. They can get fruits and vegetables, that's wasn't allowed in the past. They can also buy whole wheat bread and certain kinds of tortillas. Velasco said, "It's good for the kids."

Caro Stinson, Director of Nutrition Services and WIC, said, "We want our families to be healthy. We think these new foods and the education they're receiving is really helping." The cereals on the program also are healthier. The iron content is how they're chosen. Stinson said, "The iron is necessary for children and especially for pregnant women because they tend to be low in iron which causes anemia."

As for who qualifies, there are guidelines. For example, a family of four who makes no more than around $40,700 is eligible. A single mom making no more than about $27,000 qualifies and that includes pregnant women. Stinson said, "We think there are people out there, families that do not realize that they are eligible." On average, WIC gives about $62 a month per person.