Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program

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Shasta County WIC provides benefits to more than 6,600 people a month. New participants are always welcome. Give us a call to see if you qualify at (530) 225-5168.

Introducing the new WIC foods, as of October 2009. WIC now features healthier foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains!

What is WIC?

WIC, the Women, Infants and Children program is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, mothers with infants, and young children eat well, be active and stay healthy.

WIC improves the health of its participants and promotes lifestyle changes. WIC participants have healthier pregnancies and fewer premature births.

WIC Offers Families

• Checks to buy healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, dry beans and peas, peanut butter and infant fruits and vegetables.
• Nutrition and health education to help you and your family eat well and be active.
• Support and information about breastfeeding your baby.
• Help in finding health care and community referrals.

Nutrition Education

One of the many benefits of being part of the WIC program is the nutrition education provided for you and your family. WIC offers interactive group education and cooking demonstrations, along with one-on-one education sessions.

We recognize that nationwide, the problem of obesity has been on the rise both in children and adults. Our staff is committed to working together with you to prevent this from being a concern in your family. We believe this can happen if we all strive to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. Our nutrition education is designed to achieve this goal.

Who Qualifies?

Groups WIC Services:

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women up to six months postpartum
• Parents, including single fathers, can receive benefits for infants and children under five years old
• All foster children under five years old

To get WIC in Shasta County you need to:

• Meet the WIC income guidelines
• Have a nutritional need
• Live in Shasta County

What are the Income Guidelines?

WIC Income Guidelines- Effective April 1, 2009.

Please note:

• Pregnant women are counted as two people.
• Some people qualify who don't meet these income requirements; please call (530) 225-5168.

Checks for Food

WIC provides checks for nutritious foods. These checks can be used at most stores. You can use the checks to purchase items like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, milk, cheese, cereal, beans, peanut butter and vitamin C juices, infant fruits and vegetables, as well as other items.

Checks are worth between $50-$150 a month per participating family member.

Breastfeeding Services

Breastfeeding Support Staff

All WIC staff members receive breastfeeding training, and support breastfeeding as the normal infant feeding choice.

We also have the Breastfeeding Support Center with lactation consultants available. No appointment in necessary, just walk in Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. -12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Breastfeeding Education and Support

• Prenatal breastfeeding classes
• Breastfeeding support groups
• Childbirth education
• One-on-one counseling with pregnant and postpartum women

Breast Pumps

Manual and electric breast pumps may be available for some babies who are premature or unable to breast feed right away, and for moms who are returning to work, school or military service.

Where are we located?

WIC clinics are located throughout Shasta County for your convenience: Downtown Redding, Public Health main office (south Redding), Anderson, Shasta Lake City, Shingletown, Round Mountain, Burney and Fall River Mills. Please give us a call at (530) 225-5168 to schedule an appointment at the clinic of your choice.

You do not need to make an appointment at the Breastfeeding Support Center, just walk in Monday though Thursdays 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. You can also call at (530) 245-6466 or (530) 229-8441. The Breastfeeding Support Center is located at the downtown WIC office, 1220 Sacramento Street, Redding, CA 96001.

More Information

• Information about nutrition and physical activity
• Local breastfeeding support resources
• Family health care: Child Health and Disability Prevention Insurance, Healthy Family Insurance
• California Department of Health Services WIC Program
• Resources for parents