By Florence Gilkeson

Senior Writer

The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children known as WIC is still very much in effect at the Moore County Health Department.

The WIC program in North Carolina is designed for low-income families as a means to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5.

"The current economy has created financial hardships for an increasing number of families," says Candy Davis, nutrition/WIC director for the Moore County Health Department. "We want to make sure residents are aware of the services provided and encourage them to enroll if they are eligible for the program."

WIC provides such services as nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods and referrals to health care and community resources.

Eligible to apply for WIC are: a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding woman who has had a baby in the last 12 months, a woman who has had a baby in the last six months, and a child up to fifth birthday. Eligibility requirements also include residence in North Carolina and within the health delivery area of the WIC agency, in this case the Moore County Health Department.

In addition, the applicant must meet the income eligibility scale and must have an identified nutritional risk as determined by a health professional. Nutritional problems include anemia, poor growth, previous poor pregnancy outcome, inadequate dietary intake and other nutrition-related health problems.

All recipients of Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services and Work First assistance meet the WIC income eligibility criteria.

The health department says WIC is ranked among the most successful social service and public health initiatives in the nation. Results include reduction in low birth weight, pre-term delivery and fetal death.

The health department is located at 705 Pinehurst Avenue in Carthage. Those seeking more information or WIC appointments may call 947-3271.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at florence@thepilot.com.