Joplin signs new WIC contract for 2019
Women, infants and children in Joplin will continue to have a resource for nutritious food and vital health services.
The Joplin City Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) recently signed a contract with the Missouri Department of Social Services to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2019.
WIC provides supplemental services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their fifth birthday. Nutritional risk and income eligibility are considered. The contract will enable the Joplin City WIC program to serve 3,025 persons eligible for WIC each month.
The primary services include health screening, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and referrals to health care. Nutritious supplemental food is provided at no cost.
To qualify, WIC applicants must have an income of less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level http://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/eligibility_income.php . A health professional must determine nutritional risk. Migrant families also can take part. .
WIC supplemental food packages include foods high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese and eggs. They also get whole grain bread products and hot or cold cereals. Foods also include 100% fruit juices and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables..
Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy benefit greatly. They have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths. They see the doctor earlier in pregnancy and eat healthier.
The Joplin City WIC office hosts the community breastfeeding support group “Chi Chi Mama’s.” The group meets the first Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. For more information, residents may call the WIC office or visit Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/chichimamas.
Joplin City WIC operates out of offices at 321 E 4th Street in Joplin. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Persons interested in applying should contact Joplin City WIC at 417-623-1928 or visit our web site at http://www.joplinmo.org/wic .
The Jasper County Health Department also offers WIC services at 105 N. Lincoln in Carthage. Visits are by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on first three Thursday/Fridays of the month.