St. Joseph's WIC program helps families eat well, stay healthy

Posted April 22, 2011

Helping pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, infants and children eat well is why St. Joseph's Area Health Services Public Health and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program are committed to their mission to help families stay healthy.

St. Joseph's WIC program brings nutrition education, healthy foods, and health service referrals to women, infants and children who qualify. WIC foods help to feed families in a healthy way.

"The WIC foods provide the participant with the essential vitamins and minerals," says Nora Simpson, a WIC Nurse Certifier. "Foods offered are designed to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, increase dietary fiber and reduce the amount of fat in the diet."

Families receive information and suggestions on how to eat healthy that are specific to each family's needs.

St. Joseph's WIC program is open to: women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or recently had a baby; infants from birth to 1 year of age; and children from 1 year of age to their 5th birthday.

To qualify for WIC, you must meet WIC income guidelines or be enrolled in a program such as Minnesota Care and have a nutritional and/or medical need.

"People are pleasantly surprised to learn that a family of four can earn around $40,000 and qualify for WIC services," says RaeAnn Mayer, St. Joseph's WIC coordinator. "We are happy to have families in our program and will work with them to help them to receive the greatest benefit from the program."

St. Joseph's WIC is proactive in supporting mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies. WIC offers extra amounts of foods to support these mothers nutritionally.

The Minnesota Department of Health honored St. Joseph's WIC staff in 2010 for meeting one or more Healthy People 2010 Breastfeeding Goals as established by the state.

Cathy Jones, a Certified Lactation Specialist, is on staff to help pregnant women learn about and prepare for breastfeeding. "We're here to answer any questions a breastfeeding mother might have," Jones says.

Women or families with infants and/or children are encouraged to call St. Joseph's WIC clinic at 218-237-5464 to see if they qualify for WIC services.