Texas HHS encourages low income families to apply for WIC benefits

HOUSTON - Texas Health and Human Services is encouraging families to apply for WIC benefits, as fewer than half of eligible Texas children are receiving them.

WIC is the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Program for women, infants, and children, though anyone who is low income and raising a child under age five can apply.  

Sabreen Jalil of La Marque, TX turned to WIC when she was pregnant with her first baby.

"I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant with my son, and WIC helped me navigate the nutritional aspect that I needed to have as a gestational diabetic mother with my son," said Jalil.

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She says WIC also helped her with breastfeeding both of her babies, who were born with a tongue-tie diagnosis.

"One area I needed help with was breastfeeding with my son, since he was diagnosed with a tongue-tie. It was really hard to get him to latch and get him to properly breastfeed," explained Jalil.

WIC serves 800,000 Texas women, infants, and children each month, but USDA data shows that only about 45% of children are receiving the benefits.

Texas Health and Human Services is encouraging families to apply, as it marks 50 years of serving Texans since launching in the state in Conroe in 1974.

"Back then there were high rates of anemia and malnutrition. So the WIC program focused on providing iron fortified formula for families. But over time, it's changed and become more of a breastfeeding program and focusing on providing key foods with key nutrients for key stages of development," said Amanda Hovis with Texas WIC.

While most participants are mothers or expectant mothers, anyone with children under age 5 can apply, including fathers, foster parents, guardians, and grandparents.  

"We have in-person classes at some of our clinics, where we can have mom-to-mom groups, where they can talk together. We have cooking classes, one-on-one counseling that we provide," said Hovis.

Hovis says participation in WIC results in a decreased risk of low birth weight, pre-term birth, and infants needing NICU care.

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Jalil says it's been a game changer for her in raising healthy babies.

"He's thriving, I would say. He's been on the growth chart and having them explain the importance of that was really important," she said.

Applicants must have incomes below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.  But those who don't qualify can still utilize WIC's free online resources and location hotline.

For more information or to apply, visit TexasWIC.org/apply or call 800-942-3678.