The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program) WIC was established as a permanent program in 1974 to safeguard the health of low-in- come women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. This mission is carried out by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education (including breastfeeding promotion and support), and referrals to health and other social services Not only do WIC participants receive nutritious, healthy foods that's not all. Participants have access to a number of resources, including health screening, nutrition and breast- feeding counseling, immunization screening and referral, substance abuse referral, and more Who can participate? Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and chil dren up to age 5 who meet certain requirements are eligible. These requirements include income eligibility and State residency. Additionally, the applicant must be individually deter mined to be at "nutrition risk by a health professional or a trained health official Even though breast milk is the most nutritious and complete source of food for infants, nationally less than 30% of infants are breastfed at 1 year of age. A major goal of the WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants, therefore, WIC mothers are encour- aged to breastfeed their infants, unless medically contraindicated. Pregnant women and new WIC mothers are provided breastfeeding educational materials and support through counseling and guidance What do I do next? Northwest Community Health Centerpovides WIC services in Lincoln County. They travel to Troy and Eureka to ensure that the entire county can bet benefits. If you are interested in WIC services please call 406-283-6900 to schedule an appointment. This institution is an equal opportunity provider NORTHWEST Community Health Center 320 E. 2ND STREET LIBBY. 102 SANDALWOOD COURT TROY 406-283-6900 Published In The Western News October 23, 2018