Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a Special Supplemental Food Program for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of five. All applicants must be income eligible and have a medical or nutritional risk.
Our mission is to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
The St. Barnabas Hospital WIC Program has served our community since 1989. Our dedicated staff is made up of health care professionals and support personnel who represent the community we serve. Our program has expanded to include three permanent sites, serving close to 10,000 participants.
The program provides checks for the purchase of nutritious foods at no cost to the participant. In addition, we provide free nutrition counseling/education, breastfeeding support, immunization screening and information on where to apply for free or low-cost health care or other needed services in the community.
Who is eligible?
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have just had a baby, or children up to age 5, who:
- are within the income guidelines set by the State or are receiving Food Stamps, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- have medical or nutritional risk(s), and
- live in New York State
WIC does not require proof of citizenship.
| Family Practice | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20,036 | 1,670 | 386 |
| 2 | 26,955 | 2,247 | 519 |
| 3 | 33,874 | 2,823 | 652 |
| 4 | 40,793 | 3,400 | 785 |
| 5 | 47,712 | 3,976 | 918 |
| 6 | 54,631 | 4,553 | 1,051 |
| 7 | 61,550 | 5,130 | 1,184 |
| 8 | 68,469 | 5,706 | 1,317 |
| For each additional member add: | +6,919 | +577 | +134 |
Source: N.Y.S. Department of Health – WIC Program Manual
What does WIC provide?
The WIC Program strongly encourages and provides support for breastfeeding. For infants not fully breastfed, iron-fortified infant formula (Enfamil Gentlease, Good Start Soy Plus and Enfamil Premium LIPIL) is available for the first year. Infants with specific medical diagnoses may receive a special formula. For pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and children these are some of the foods provided:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Juice
- Tuna fish
- Fruits and vegetables
- Iron-fortified cereal
- Peanut butter
- Beans
- Rice or tortillas
Nutrition Education
Our program’s nutrition education/counseling in-group sessions assist WIC participants with topics such as:
- Infant and toddler feeding
- Breastfeeding
- Prenatal nutrition
- Anemia or iron deficiency
- Diets
- Diabetes
- Dental
- Physical fitness
- Child Nutrition
High Risk Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionists at our program provide individualized high-risk nutrition counseling for participants with special medical conditions or nutrition-related health issues.
Health Care Referrals
We refer our participants for immunizations, substance abuse counseling and treatment; smoking cessation, lead screening, shelters and more. We also encourage participants to remain under the care of their primary doctor and to continue well-child visits and routine health and dental care.
Breastfeeding Promotion and Support
Our program has a Breastfeeding Coordinator, a Breastfeeding Educator and a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. Our goal is that 100% of our mothers breastfeed if not exclusively, then partially.
Our HOTLINE number is (718) 960-MILK.
Farmers Market Coupons
During the summer our program provides our WIC participants with Farmers Market Coupons that may be redeemed at the local farmers markets located throughout the Bronx and New York State.
Come join the St. Barnabas Hospital WIC Program. Be part of our mission “…to improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers and their infants and children…” WIC is another way to do something good for you and your family.
St. Barnabas Hospital WIC Program
2021 Grand Concourse – 1st Floor
Bronx, NY 10453
Tel: (718) 901-9510
Fax: (718) 901-9503
Hours of Operation
Mon & Thurs., 8:30am–5:00pm
Tues., Wed. 8:30am–6:00pm
Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Sat. 9:00am–12:00pm
St. Barnabas Hospital WIC Program
Ambulatory Care Building
4487 Third Ave., 1st Floor
Tel: (718) 960-6257
Fax: (718) 960-3681
Hours of Operation
Mon,- Thurs. 8:30am-6:00pm
Fri. 8:30am–5:00pm
St. Barnabas Hospital – WIC Program
Union Community Health Center
260 East 188 Street – 1st Floor
Bronx, NY 10458
Tel: (718) 220-2020 Ext. 8226
Fax: (718) 960-3790
Hours of Operation
Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8:30am –6:00pm
Wed. 8:30am –7:30pm
Fri. 8:30am – 5:00pm
Sat. 9:00am – 12:00pm
