WIC Program Looking for Feedback for Funding

More than 100,000 Oklahomans use the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children called WIC and they need the feedback of many to keep the program strong.

Thursday, June 3rd 2010, 5:37 pm

By: News 9


By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- More than 100,000 Oklahomans use the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children called WIC and they need the feedback of many to keep the program strong.

The state health department is seeing a record breaking number of people using the WIC program, which is basically funding to buy healthy foods. Many moms across the state say it's a big help.

"Every week, about $200 to $300, considering I have a family of seven," said Kaylie Devers, a WIC client on what she spends for groceries each week.

Devers said having a balanced diet at home including things like milk, fruits and vegetables means everything to her family.

"It is a wonderful thing because you're keeping healthy foods in the house and having milk in the house and all that stuff is really expensive, so I'm able to get healthier things to eat other than junk," Devers said.

The program helps thousands of pregnant women and mothers with young children up to 5-years-old with healthcare services. To keep the funding going year after year, input is needed from moms like Devers. The more feedback WIC gets, the more money there is to help Oklahomans.

"Everything we can do to improve the program and make it better and continue to have more participants is a benefit for Oklahoma and the program," said Terry Bryce, Chief of WIC services.

The WIC program is federally funded but aid from the state could keep it going. The priority for the program: make sure pregnant women understand the importance of healthy foods during their pregnancy and mothers with young children are savvy about nutrition in their kids' diets.

"We have babies that are born healthier because they're on the WIC program, it means a lot. It provides a lot of personal satisfaction," said Bryce.

To make a comment regarding the WIC program, contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health at 271-4676. Those comments must be received before July 31.

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