WIC celebrates 50 years going strong in Wisconsin

The 50th anniversary (Oct. 30) of Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program, is celebrated in Wisconsin.

“Since the opening of the first WIC clinic in Wisconsin, in 1974, WIC has been an unwavering beacon of support, to families across the state,” said state health officer Paula Tran.

The country’s first WIC clinic opened its doors in Pineville, Ky., in January 1974. Later that year, Wisconsin’s WIC program began a pilot, with the Great Lakes Inter Tribal Council (GLITC) WIC program, Green Bay Area Free Clinic and Menominee Tribe.

Within the first year, Wisconsin WIC had participation of 1,300. By 1980, WIC had expanded to over 55 locations, including Wisconsin’s two major urban centers, Milwaukee and Madison. By 1990, the majority of the current WIC program was in place.

Today, Wisconsin has 61 WIC agencies, reaching every county in the state, and serving more than 90,000 people, each month. Each year, these agencies support more than 130,000 people, including 38 percent of all babies born in the state, and over 25 percent of Wisconsin children, up to age five.

“With nearly one in four households in Wisconsin unable to afford basic needs, the WIC program plays a critical role in supporting their well-being,” said Dr. Jasmine Zapata, chief medical officer. “Recent studies have shown that WIC has been successful in helping to address critical health issues for pregnant people and young families, including reducing fetal deaths and infant mortality, reducing rates of low birth weight, iron deficiency, anemia and obesity in children, and has increased immunization rates.”

The WIC program provides access to key health building blocks at critical times in life – before and after pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and during infancy and early childhood – through nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental foods for children and their caregivers.

In the summer months, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) provides additional benefits to families participating in WIC, specifically, to buy fresh, local produce from farm stands and markets across the state.

To learn more about the WIC program and find a local agency, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov.