US WIC Programs

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Description:: WIC dates back to the 1960’s when the CBS documentary, “Hunger in America” publicized the fact that many low income Americans were suffering from malnutrition. In 1969 the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health was convened and highlighted the problem, focusing national attention on malnutrition and hunger. One of the recommendations of the conference was that special attention needed to be given to the nutritional needs of low-income pregnant women and preschool children. In response, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 was amended in 1972 authorizing the WIC Program as a pilot program for two years. EOC was one of the agencies participating in this federal pilot program. In fact, EOC issued the first WIC vouchers in the state of California. In 1975, WIC was established as a permanent program across the United States. EOC WIC’s caseload steadily rose over the years to its present high of 37,500 participants. The staff is 72 members strong, and made up of Registered Dietitians, WIC Nutrition Assistants, Local Vendor Liaisons, Breastfeeding peer counselors, and administrative support staff. Fresno EOC WIC Mission Statement: We will provide to all women, infants and children healthy food, and the knowledge and opportunity to make healthy choices in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, thus enhancing the potential for all Californians to enjoy a higher quality of life.