May 01, 2024 - Pittsburgh, PA
May marks the 50th anniversary of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as WIC - which has been serving Pennsylvania women and children since May 1974. In the past year alone, PA WIC has helped 284,642 individuals. The month-long celebration starts today in Allegheny County where Pennsylvania's first WIC clinic opened. "As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand the benefits of the WIC program for children and families," said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "Every day in WIC programs across the Commonwealth, families receive support for nutritional, age and culturally diverse foods, breastfeeding and nutrition support and education, and referrals to service in their communities. Evaluations of the WIC program have consistently shown that participation results in better pregnancy and child health outcomes. I am honored to help kick off the celebration for a program that, after 50 years, continues to evolve to meet the needs of Pennsylvania women, infants, and children." WIC is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered in Pennsylvania through the Department of Health. The Department provides technical support, fiscal oversight, and administrative guidance to 22 local agencies who administer the WIC program across 65 counties in the Commonwealth. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals to health and social services to improve health outcomes for families. Speakers Include:Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen Ebony Lunsford-Evans, Farmer Girl EbDannia Wilson, Allegheny County Health Department
An Official Pennsylvania Government Website