By Amber Call-Second Harvest Food Bank Nutrition Services Intern
Did you know that despite the availability of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, many families in Forsyth County aren’t taking full advantage of this vital resource? As a nutritionist with firsthand experience in the WIC program, I’ve seen the positive impact it can have on mothers, children, and families. The benefits of WIC are immense, yet many eligible individuals and families aren’t utilizing the program to its full potential. This underutilization can have far-reaching consequences, and as someone who has worked closely with the program, I’ve witnessed both its successes and the challenges it faces.
What is the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program?
WIC is a federally funded assistance program that provides nutritional support to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to the age of five. The program has been shown to improve health outcomes by reducing issues like low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality. It supports children's growth and reduces risks of obesity, anemia, and other nutrition-related conditions. WIC also promotes breastfeeding, which benefits both mothers and babies by lowering the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases.
Participants in WIC tend to have healthier diets, consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The program not only fosters lifelong healthy habits but also helps prevent future nutrition-related diseases. Research suggests that WIC reduces healthcare costs and is linked to better academic and cognitive outcomes for children.
As of February 2025, North Carolina has approximately 238,100 individuals enrolled in the WIC program.
The Issue: WIC Underutilization in Forsyth County, NC
Unfortunately, many potentially eligible families in Forsyth County are not participating in WIC. This underutilization could be attributed to several factors, including lack of awareness, transportation challenges, and stigma associated with receiving government assistance. During my time working as a WIC nutritionist, I’ve encountered many families who were unaware they were eligible for the program.
To qualify for WIC in Forsyth County, NC, you must:
Be a resident of Forsyth County
Have a family income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
Be pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or a child under age 5
Be assessed as at nutritional risk (e.g., poor diet, underweight, anemia, pregnancy complications)
If you receive Medicaid, Work First Families Assistance, or Food Stamps, you automatically meet the income requirement.
The Consequences of Not Using WIC
The consequences of not utilizing WIC can be severe. Families already struggling with food insecurity may face even greater hardships without the program’s support. WIC provides access to healthy foods that play a crucial role in a child’s growth and development. Without it, many families would face increased stress, health complications, and further financial strain. As someone who has seen firsthand how beneficial WIC is, I know how vital this program can be for families struggling to male ends meet. If you live in Forsyth County and think you might be eligible, I urge you to reach out and learn more.
Resources
For more information on the WIC program in Forsyth County, visit Forsyth County WIC or call:
(336) 703-3336 (English)
(336) 703-3370 (Español)
Use the WIC PreScreening Tool to determine if are potentially eligible to receive WIC benefits. The PreScreening Tool is not an application for WIC benefits. To apply for WIC benefits, you must make an appointment at a WIC local agency in the State or area where you live.
Find your local WIC office across North Carolina.
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