Details and Eligibility

Program at a Glance

The Georgia WIC program is the nation's fifth largest Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The Food and Nutrition Service administers the program at the federal level and provides funds to state agencies for implementation. At the state level, the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia WIC Program administers the program.

WIC has provided nutrition education and supplemental foods to low income families for over thirty years. In federal fiscal year (FFY) 2015, Georgia’s WIC provided benefits to approximately 264,299 participants. WIC contributed $263.5 million to the state's economy in FFY 2015.

Georgia WIC services are provided through 18 health districts and one contract agency. Services are provided at over 203 locations including: 159 health departments, 20 community health centers, 6 hospitals, 3 military bases, and 2 Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) offices.

There are approximately 1,400 authorized vendors that are participating in the WIC food delivery system who were redeeming approximately one million vouchers each month.

Eligibility

WIC serves women, infants, and children in families with income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level or enrolled in Medicaid; and who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Participant categories consist of pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women; infants and children up to their fifth birthday.

Services

Participants receive a nutrition assessment, health screening, medical history, body measurements (weight and height), hemoglobin check, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals to other health and social services, and vouchers for healthy foods.

Program Objectives

• Increase entry into care for prenatals, infants and children
• Increase infant breastfeeding initiation and duration
• Decrease number of children who are overweight or obese
• Increase nutrition education of participants
• Utilize technology to maximize efficiency

Non-discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Contact Information