Absolutely! Studies conducted by non-government entities prove that WIC is one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs. Since its beginning in 1974, the WIC Program has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful Federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States.Here are the facts:
WIC Participation Improves birth outcomes
- Approximately one out of four women in the United States receives WIC services and numerous studies have shown that pregnant women who participate in WIC receive early prenatal care.
- WIC prenatal care benefits reduce the rate of low birth weight babies by approximately 34%.
- Every WIC dollar spent on pregnant women produces $1.92 to $4.21 in Medicaid savings for newborns and their mothers.
- Medicaid costs benefits reduce between $12,000 and $15,000 for every prevented very low birth weight infant birth.
WIC Participation Improves the Health of Infants and Children
Fifty-three percent of all infants born in the United States receive WIC services. WIC helps ensure normal growth, reduces levels of anemia, increases immunization rates, improves access to regular health/social services and improves nutrition. Research has demonstrated that:
- WIC infants are in better health than eligible infants not participating in WIC.
- WIC benefits positively influence the nutrient intakes of infants and children.
- WIC participation is associated with increased use of preventive care and improved health status of children.
WIC Program is cost effective in protecting or improving the health/nutritional status of low-income women, infants and children. An earlier study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that each dollar spent on WIC's prenatal component saves three dollars in hospital costs.
WIC Supports the Community. WIC Brings Healthy Foods to Your Families.
- In California, WIC foods purchased at grocery stores bring communities approximately $62 each month for each WIC participant. Approximately 1.5 million mothers, babies, and children receive WIC foods each month which adds approximately $93 million into communities across California.
- WIC supports community healthcare providers by encouraging WIC families to receive regular health care.
- Authorized WIC vendors are required to stock healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products and other healthy food choices. These communities may otherwise lack such healthy choices.
- Go to this two minute YouTube video below to see what WIC can do for your families.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf1O0c6lJBg&NR=1
