Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that supports pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of five to live a healthier life. WIC provides nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, prenatal and postpartum support, referrals and supplemental food vouchers. All of our services are free of charge.

WIC is for all kinds of families - married or single parents, working or not working.  Fathers, mothers, grandparents, foster parents or other legal guardians of a child under five can apply for the child to receive WIC.

To reach any of our sites serving Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties, call (716) 218-1484. Not all of our locations are open everyday, please call us for the site schedule.

You may be eligible for WIC if you:
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum, OR
• Have an infant or child under 5 years old, AND
• Receive SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance (TANF) or Medicaid or meet the income guidelines below, AND
• Live in New York State

WIC does not require US citizenship, social security number, green card or legal residency to receive benefits.

What WIC Does For You

Nutrition Education: We'll show you how to create healthy, affordable meals for your family through nutrition tips and recipes.

Breastfeeding:  Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. We offer breastfeeding support, education and counseling including IBCLC consultations and free breast pumps for eligible mothers.

Nutrition Counseling: Parents often worry about their child's eating habits. Our nutritionists give you professional advice for all your nutritional concerns.

Prenatal and Postpartum Support: We help give your baby a healthy start. Prenatal and postpartum education and food vouchers help you and your baby the nutrition you need and support you to breastfeed.

Referrals: We want to link you to help. Get referrals for financial assistance, mental health counseling, health insurance, public benefits (i.e., Medicaid, SNAP), or other services.

Food Vouchers:  Purchase healthy foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, juice, peanut butter, cereal, fruits, vegetables and infant formula with WIC vouchers. Pregnant women (at any point in their pregnancy) and parents or guardians of children under the age of five who live in New York State and think they are income eligible, should apply for WIC. You can receive services at any WIC site.

Central Phone Number: Call (716) 218-1484 to connect to any WIC office. Callers can make or change appointments, ask general questions, be connected with a nutritionist or breastfeeding specialist, request outreach materials or presentations and connect with any WIC staff member throughout Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.

Receive Text Alerts: To enroll, text CCWIC to 839-863.  Text messages will be sent to make important WIC related announcements, inform of events, educate about changes to the program, and remind participants about their appointments.  Additionally, people enrolled in the texting service may opt-in to receive texts with information and tips about breastfeeding.

Forms you may need for your WIC appointment: Click here

Information for health care providers: Click here

Community Agency and Medical Providers: If you are interested in learning more about the WIC program, having WIC present to your staff or clientle, having a table at your community event or obtaining written information regarding the program, please call the WIC Outreach Supervisor at 716-218-1400.
 
Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network: Another agency whose mission is to improve pregnancy outcomes and promote better health care for women and children. They can help link you to preventive and primary health care, social support and educational resources in Erie County. Visit their website.

Breastfeeding Resources & Support

§  Breastfeeding Partners

§  La Leche League of NY

§  La Leche League International

§  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Report WIC Fraud: Click here

For more information: Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline toll-free at (800) 522-5006 for more information for WIC participants, potentially eligible individuals or to find a location near you.