WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a special supplemental nutrition program administered through the Tennessee Department of Health.  WIC serves infants and children up to the age of five, and women who are either pregnant, postpartum, and/or breast feeding (Best Start).  The purpose of the program is to provide nutrition education, supplemental foods, and breastfeeding promotion to all eligible persons.   The program serves as an adjunct to good health care during critical times of human growth and development. 

Eligibility

To participate in the WIC program, an applicant must: 

• Be a resident of the state of Tennessee, and
• Have an income not exceeding 185% of the USDA poverty income guidelines for family size as noted in the Federal Register; and
• Found to be at nutritional risk

WIC Participants must have information that shows:  Identification, proof of residence, and income status.    Parents or guardians should also bring a child’s immunization record to the clinic along with the child. 

WIC is offered at the following Health Department locations:  Birchwood Health Clinic, Family Health Clinic, Ooltewah Health Clinic, and Sequoyah Clinic. 

WIC is also offered at the following additional sites:   Southside Health Center, Dodson Avenue Health Center, and Northside Neighborhood House.  Call any clinic site or 209-8220 for additional information or assistance.

Merchant Program

The WIC program works through a system of vouchers and local food or grocery vendors to provide the supplemental foods provided through the program.   A Merchant Coordinator works with local grocery vendors who accept WIC vouches to assist them with WIC procedures and policies.    Call 209-8312 or 209-8220 for additional information.

Click the following links to get more information on the WIC program.

    www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/  or www.fns1.usda