This is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The program offers nutrition assistance and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children. To receive assistance there are certain requirements you must meet when you apply or reapply each year. 

The WIC program serves the following: 

Women

• Pregnant (during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after the birth of an infant or the end of the pregnancy)

• Postpartum (up to six months after the birth of the infant or the end of the pregnancy)

• Breastfeeding (up to the infant’s first birthday)

Infants 

• Up to the infant’s first birthday

Children 

• Up to the child’s fifth birthday

You must live in Kentucky and within the counties that the Pennyrile District Health Department serves (Trigg, Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston, Lyon Counties). If you are not within one of our counties, please call your local health department. You do not have to live in the area for a certain amount of time before you can apply for the WIC program. If you moved, please bring your WIC card from your past residence with you. 

Also, there are certain financial requirements you must meet as well. You can find the complete list of conditions (through May 2020) here. 

Why sign up for WIC? 

You get the support you need, both financially and physically. This gives you a glimpse into what the program offers you and your child: 

• Nutrition and health care needs assessment

• Nutrition Information and education

• Vouchers to buy healthy food for you and your children including:

  • Milk and cheese

  • Infant formula

  • Vitamin C-rich juices

  • Iron-rich cereals

  • Eggs

  • Dried Beans or Peanut Butter

• Referrals to doctors, dentists and programs like food stamps (SNAP), Healthy Start and Head Start

• Breastfeeding support

• Immunization referrals

• Child care/parenting information and education

• Shopping tips, recipes and advice on feeding your child

Though it’s not a requirement, we always recommend our local parents sign up for the HANDS program. Especially if you discover that you’re not eligible for WIC.

Every new Kentucky parent is eligible to join HANDS.

This is a free visitation program where you can seek guidance, ask questions and learn more about your child’s development and health, right in your own home. Learn more about it here or ask us when you call! 

How do you sign up for the WIC program? 

First, call and make an appointment. At that time we will assess your qualifications and do a nutrition risk assessment at no cost to you. This information may also be obtained from your physician. Once this assessment is complete you will find out that day if you qualify. Most days we can add you to the system with benefits starting on the same day. 

We encourage you to call and talk with our staff, even if you aren’t sure you qualify for the program. There are many ways we can assist you as you navigate your pregnancy and begin raising your child. We offer well visits for your child, you can receive dietary advice for your family and you can sign up for our HANDS program which is open to all parents in the Pennyrile District.