The Nassau County Health Department's, Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program, (WIC), has recently changed to a fully automated system and is able to print up to three months of food vouchers for eligible participants, the county has announced.

Since 1974, WIC has served as a health, nutrition and prevention program in Nassau County. This program is considered the most cost effective, preventive nutrition program of its time. WIC contributes to reduced infant mortality and morbidity, improved participant health outcomes, and savings in health care costs.

WIC participants receive food vounchers, redeemable at local grocery stores and pharmacies, for infant formula and nutritious foods, such as milk, cheese, fruit juices, iron-fortified cereals, peanut butter, dried beans and eggs. The WIC Program also collaborates with the Department of Agriculture to provide WIC participants with coupons, redeemable at Farmers' Markets for fresh fruits and vegetables.

With seven offices throughout the county, Nassau County Health Department provides WIC services to over 10,500 income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who are determined to be at medical and/or nutritional risk. Current WIC financial eligibility includes a family of four with a gross annual income of up to $32,653, or a pregnant woman with a gross annual income of up to $21,479.

"WIC definitely works, and now even better since it is newly automated. Please call the department between 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays at 571-3449 to find out if WIC can work for your family, stated a health department representative.