About Us

mother feeding baby

Mission

The Maine Women, Infants, Children Nutrition Program delivers cost-effective, efficient family centered services to optimize the health of Maine families.

Skilled professionals provide evidence based health education and nutrient rich foods, along with fostering community collaborations.

What We Do

Maine WIC reaches more than 26,000 people in the state. It is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

The Maine Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program provides healthy food, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and referrals to health services to 26,000 income-eligible women, infants and children. The WIC program was established by Congress in 1972 as an adjunct to health care and to provide supplemental foods during critical times of growth and development.

WIC Gets Results

Research demonstrates that the money spent on WIC programs has the following outcomes:

  • Every $1 spent on prenatal WIC assistance results in $2-3 in savings on health care costs in the first 60 days after childbirth.
  • WIC reduces fetal deaths and infant mortality.
  • WIC reduces low birthweight rates and increases the duration of pregnancy.
  • WIC improves the growth of nutritionally at-risk infants and children.
  • WIC decreases the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in children.
  • WIC improves the dietary intake of pregnant and postpartum women and improves weight gain in pregnant women.
  • Pregnant women participating in WIC receive prenatal care earlier.
  • Children enrolled in WIC are more likely to have a regular source of medical care and have more up to date immunizations.
  • WIC helps get children ready to start school: children who receive WIC benefits demonstrate improved intellectual development.
  • WIC significantly improves children's diets.

Source: USDA Food & Nutrition Service

WIC Works For ...

  • Healthy Maine women and children
  • Regular health care for families to promote optimum growth and development
  • Communication of useful nutrition information to parents and families
  • Encouragement of breastfeeding for all Maine mothers and children
  • Efficient, flexible food benefit delivery system
  • Coordination with other state agencies to best help families in need

Who Is Eligible?

Families whose income meets program income guidelines and have any of the following members in the family:

  • Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have had a baby within the last six months
  • Babies
  • Children up to their fifth birthday

What WIC Does

The state agency contracts with eight private health and social service agencies in Maine. WIC services are provided at 18 offices and 73 other community sites all across the state.

During the WIC application process, families can expect:

  • Review of recent income
  • Health screening, including measurement of height and weight
  • Blood test to screen for hemoglobin
  • Useful information on nutrition and health issues, based on your family's needs
  • Checks to help you buy healthy foods at local grocery stores. The foods your family will be given are tailored for your family members' needs.

Fraud and Abuse

Maine WIC assistance is intended for those families most in need of nutritional support. Fraud and abuse take resources away from those who need them most. If you have information about a recipient, vendor or health care provider who may be committing fraud or abuse of the WIC system, e-mail wic.maine@maine.gov or call 800-437-9300.

Funding Sources

Funds are provided through a categorical grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/FNS). Maine receives approximately $13 million in food funds, $5 million in administrative funds and $5 million in infant formula rebates.

Budget: $23,000,000 (FFY 2009)

Staff Count: 8

Non-Discrimination

As a provider and as an employer, Maine's WIC program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, or disability. If you feel you have encountered discrimination in our program, please contact the state office immediately. You may also file a complaint with the Maine Department of Human Services, or with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the WIC program nationwide.

Federal Statement: In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Maine DHHS Statement: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, or national origin, in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities, or its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Maine Human Rights Act and Executive Order Regarding State of Maine Contracts for Services. Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to DHHS' ADA Compliance/EEO Coordinators, 11 State House Station - 221 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04333, 207-287-4289 (V), 207-287-3488 (V), 1-800-606-0215 (TTY). Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in program and services of DHHS are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA Compliance/EEO Coordinators. This notice is available in alternate formats, upon request.

Non-Endorsement

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal Funds from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, under grant CFDA# 10.557. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the USDA nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.