The Clay County Public Health Center recently announced the continuation of a contract to provide Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services for the federal fiscal year 2024, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. WIC is a specialized supplemental nutrition program catering to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday, based on nutritional risk and income eligibility criteria.
The core services offered by the WIC program include the provision of healthy, supplemental food, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening, and referrals to healthcare services. Eligibility for WIC is determined by an income threshold of less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level, combined with being at nutritional risk. Migrant families are also eligible to participate.
WIC supplemental food packages are thoughtfully curated to include items rich in protein, iron, calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. Qualified women and children benefit from fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, hot or cold cereals, 100% fruit juices, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. For mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental, iron-fortified formula. Participants in the WIC program can obtain their designated food items through the use of eWIC cards at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
Research studies have affirmed the positive impact of WIC participation, demonstrating that pregnant women who enroll in the program during the early stages of pregnancy experience fewer low birth weight babies, reduced infant mortality rates, earlier prenatal care, and healthier eating habits.
The Clay County Public Health Center oversees the administration of WIC services in Clay County. Individuals interested in applying for the program or seeking additional information can contact the Clay County Public Health Center at 816-595-4358. The Clay County WIC office is conveniently located at 800 Haines Drive in Liberty, Missouri, with appointment slots available from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the main office, WIC extension clinics are held at four different locations in the community, ensuring accessibility for residents. These extension clinics are scheduled as follows:
North Kansas City School District Early Education Center, 6479 N. Prospect Ave, Gladstone, MO 64119, on the first Tuesday of the month, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Northland YMCA Head Start, 3100 NE 83rd Street, Suite 1501-A, Kansas City, MO 64119, on the second Monday of the month, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Excelsior Springs School District Early Childhood Center, 500 N Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, on the second Friday of the month, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bethel United Church of Christ, 4900 NE Parvin Road, Kansas City, MO 64117, on the third Tuesday of the month, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Residents of Excelsior Springs and the surrounding community can continue to access vital WIC services through these convenient locations, ensuring that nutrition and support remain readily available for those who need it.
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