Texas WIC Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Families
AUSTIN – The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC, is marking its 50th anniversary in Texas this August, coinciding with National Breastfeeding Month. The theme for this celebration, “Support Every Step of the Way,” underscores the diverse services Texas WIC offers to assist moms in achieving their breastfeeding goals.
Since its inception in 1974, Texas WIC has provided essential breastfeeding support to over 7 million women. Currently, the program serves more than 780,000 women, infants, and children each month, demonstrating its importance in the community.
“Texas WIC helps moms during every stage of breastfeeding,” stated Amanda Hovis, the nutrition education and clinic services director for Texas WIC. The program offers support that ranges from pregnancy preparation classes and assistance with latch or milk supply to developing a breastfeeding plan that accommodates the needs of returning to work.
To assist mothers, Texas WIC provides a wealth of resources, including:
- A free 24/7 lactation support hotline
- Access to breastfeeding peer counselors and lactation consultants
- Free nutrition and breastfeeding classes
- A complimentary breast pump for eligible women if not covered by their health plan
In addition to breastfeeding assistance, WIC benefits include access to nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cheese. Families also receive support through breastfeeding and nutrition classes, along with personalized counseling from pregnancy until their child turns five.
Eligibility for WIC benefits extends to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and families with children under five, at no cost. Pregnant women are encouraged to apply as soon as they confirm their pregnancy. Importantly, WIC services are available to fathers, foster parents, guardians, or grandparents of eligible children. Recent updates to income guidelines have expanded access, allowing even more families to benefit from the program.
For further details or to begin the application process, Texas residents can visit TexasWIC.org/apply or call 800-942-3678.
The program is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which provides comprehensive information on WIC benefits and eligibility through TexasWIC.org.