Article Summary –
The Michigan Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is celebrating its 50th anniversary, now serving over 200,000 beneficiaries monthly and providing various services such as nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to a wide range of food products. The program has evolved significantly since its inception in 1974, making technological advancements such as transitioning to electronic benefits and developing a mobile app to streamline the shopping process. Looking forward, the Michigan WIC program aims to further integrate electronic advancements, including online shopping capabilities, to enhance accessibility and convenience for families.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Michigan Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which has supported hundreds of thousands of Michigan families. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a tribute in July to honor WIC’s contributions.
Launched in 1974, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children began its Michigan operation with the first clinic in the Upper Peninsula’s Delta-Menominee region, quickly followed by Kalamazoo.
Today, over 200,000 pregnant or postpartum mothers, babies, and children under five benefit from WIC monthly. Eligibility is for households at or below 185% of the federal poverty line.
“In 50 years, we’ve continually improved the program to meet the needs of Michigan families,” said Michigan WIC Director Christina Herring.
Kaylee Freeman of Spring Lake shared how WIC provided her family of eight extra “breathing room” since moving to Michigan in 2018. She mentioned WIC alleviated significant financial stress.
Freeman, who launched her own doula practice, said her husband Charles, a dean at Walden Green Montessori school, struggled with budgeting for their growing family before discovering WIC.
Introduced to WIC by her sister-in-law, Freeman said, “It helped us make the move to Michigan.”
Apart from providing food, WIC improves health through nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health providers. The USDA states WIC reduces infant mortality and iron deficiency anemia.
WIC now offers around 2,200 products, up from just a few at its inception, and operates in over 1,400 locations statewide, as reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“The program has greatly evolved, making life easier for our recipients,” Herring noted.
Freeman’s children receive $52 for produce and a variety of items like cereal and dairy products through WIC. She mentioned that her children enjoy trying produce like dragon fruit and pomegranates.
Michigan WIC was a pioneer in going electronic in 2007, moving away from paper coupons. Its mobile app allows families to scan items to verify WIC eligibility.
Looking forward, Herring hopes to expand electronic options, including an online shopping system for WIC, expected to launch in the next few years.
“We foresee WIC integrating more with the electronic world, making it easier to use through smartphones and online shopping,” Herring said.
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