Susan Lorenz
Division of Health Administrator/Public Health Officer

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What is WIC?

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program provides supplemental foods and nutrition education to help keep pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age healthy and strong.

To find out more, or to schedule an appointment call WIC at 608-742-9254.

WIC provides the following:

1. Nutritional assessment and counseling
2. Breastfeeding education and support
3. Practical tips on food shopping, recipes, feeding your infant/child
4. Advice on taking care of your baby
5. Checks to buy foods
6. Lead screening for your child
7. Referrals to doctors, dentists, and programs like Food Share, BadgerCare+, Prenatal Care Coordination, Head Start, and free immunization clinics

Who Is Eligible for WIC

1. Please click on http://access.wisconsin.gov/access to see if you are eligible for WIC and other health and nutrition programs.
2. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or a new mother, or an infant or child under 5 years of age
3. Be a resident of Wisconsin
4. Meet income requirements (Many working families qualify)

Income Guidelines WIC Income Eligibility is based on 185% of the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines

• Many working families qualify
• Individuals who participate in other programs such as those listed below may be eligible for WIC: Medicaid, BadgerCare+, Wisconsin Works Program (W2) and FoodShare.
• The WIC Program uses the same income criteria as reduced-price school lunches
• Fathers, legal guardians or foster parents may apply for WIC for their children
• Pregnant woman counts as 2 people in household

WIC Clinics

WIC clinics are held throughout Columbia County. Clinic times vary-call for information and an appointment at 608-742-9254.

Main Office	Portage	Department of Health & Human Services Building Division of Health 2652 Murphy Road PO Box 136 Portage, WI 53901 608-742-9254
Satellite Clinics	Columbus	Columbus Fire Station 123 W. Harrison Street Columbus, WI
	Lodi	Lodi EMS HWY 113 Lodi, WI
	Cambria	Cambria Community Center 115 W. Edgewater St Cambria, WI

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

Breastfeeding Educators
Breastfeeding Educators are available to help you with your breastfeeding needs and questions. One to one instruction, support, and care on before, during and after childbirth to ensure a successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience for both mother and child are the goals of your Columbia County WIC program. Feel free to call Columbia County WIC at 608-742-9254 or Columbia County Division of Health at 608-742-9227 and ask for breastfeeding assistance. Or visit our Division of Health Web site page.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors

Breastfeeding peer counselors are WIC mothers in the community with personal breastfeeding experience who provide information and support to other mothers interested in breastfeeding.  They provide support and encouragement, help answer questions, and address common concerns breastfeeding mothers have.  They may also refer to WIC breastfeeding educators for help for mothers with more difficult or complex breastfeeding problems.

Breastpumps

Breastpumps are available to breastfeeding, WIC participants. A variety of pumping styles is available to meet your individual need. A breastfeeding assessment will be done and a pump will be supplied to WIC participants, free of charge. If you need a breastpump or are interested in WIC please call us for more information today!

For more information go to:

American Dietetic Association

Breastfeeding

March of Dimes

Wisconsin Dietetic Association

Wisconsin WIC Program

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write, USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

De acuerdo con la ley federal y las politicas del Departamento de Agricultura de los EE.UU. (USDA, sigla en ingles), se le prohibe a esta institucion que discrimine por razon de raza, color, origen, sexo, edad or discapacidad.  Para presentar una queja sobre discriminacion, escriba a USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410, o llame gratis al (866) 632-9992 (voz).  Personas con discapacidad auditiva o del habla pueden contractar con USDA por medio del Servicio Federal de Relevo (Federal Relay Service) al (800) 845-6136 (espanol) o (800) 877-8339 (ingles).  USDA es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece oportunidad igual para todos.