WIC TURNS 40

The first WIC clinic opened in Pineville, Ky., in 1974. The program now provides services through almost 1,900 local agencies in all 50 states, 34 Tribal Organizations, the District of Columbia, and all American territories. The program’s nearly 10,000 clinics are key to its success.  They provide supplemental nutritious food, health care referrals, and nutrition education, as well as help to promote and support breastfeeding. Thanks to WIC’s health care referrals, participants use more of all types of health care services – including dental care and immunizations. Over the last four decades, WIC has consistently shown to lead to better pregnancy results, such as increased birth weights and fewer premature births. 

Source: USDA, 10/23/14, WIC @ 40