WIC is a Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The Program is directed toward pregnant or nursing women, infants and children less than five years of age, because of the vital role nutrition play in human growth, development and overall good health.

The Program has two major components. One provides foods to persons at high nutritional risk and the other provides nutrition, health and consumer education to participants and their families. A physician, nurse, nutritionist, dietitian, or paraprofessional must do determination of nutritional risk.

 

By providing supplemental foods for the high-risk population, the WIC Program will benefit the Cherokee Nation by improving the nutritional status of its people. The improvement of food intake should enrich both physical and mental growth and development of the people involved.   The use of supplemental foods prescribed through the WIC program is expected to decrease the possibility of complication during pregnancy, increase the birth weight of infants, enhance brain cell development in the fetus and neonate; thus giving children a healthier start on life. WIC foods are intended to supplement rather than replace existing dietary habits. The two components work together to improve the eating habits and ultimately the nutritional-status of the family.