Poor nutrition during pregnancy can adversely affect fetal development and increase pregnancy risks, including preterm births and low birthweight babies. Furthermore, poor nutrition predisposes children to chronic conditions later in life including obesity, cardiovascular disease, bone health conditions, intellectual deficits, immunity problems and diabetes. WIC aims to:

• Decrease the complications of pregnancy
• Prevent low birth weight babies
• Decrease iron deficiency anemia
• Support breastfeeding
• Promote optimum growth and development of infants and young children

Each WIC agency employs nutritionists who have completed a minimum of four years of education and training in dietetics or a related area at an accredited college or university.

WIC nutritionists are trained to provide:

• Personalized nutrition counseling
• Promote nutritious foods
• Guidance on lifestyle habits for pregnant people, for young children, and families
• Breastfeeding education and support (see more below)
• Education on parent/child feeding roles and safe and appropriate infant/child feeding practices
• Health and nutrition screenings
• Referrals to health and social service organizations
• Information about participating in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for eligible clients

To qualify for WIC benefits, applicants must have a medical or nutritional risk, a household gross income less than 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines and be one of the following:

• Pregnant
• A woman who has given birth within the last six months
• A woman who is breastfeeding an infant less than 12-months of age
• An infant or child, including a foster child, who is less than 5-years -old

Fathers of children under the age of 5 are encouraged to enroll their children in the WIC Program. Just like any other parent or guardian, fathers may bring their children to appointments, attend nutrition counseling sessions, and redeem food benefits for their children. Grandparents and foster parents who have custody of grandchildren or children under the age of 5 may apply on their behalf.

• Contact The Foundation for Delaware County WIC Call Center
• Call the PA WIC toll-free hotline 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467)
• Be connected with the WIC office closest to your home.
• Visit PA WIC for more information or to complete and submit an online pre-application form

When enrolling in WIC or completing a recertification appointment, please be prepared to forward the following to your local WIC office via email prior to your appointment:

• Proof of identity for each applicant. Bring a picture ID such as a driver’s license or valid school ID, or two of the following:
  • Birth certificate
  • Resident card
  • Health insurance card
  • Passport or consular identification card
  • Passport
  • Voter registration card
  • Immunization record
  • Baby’s hospital papers
  • Crib card/footprints
• Proof of income for everyone in the household, such as current pay stubs, an unemployment card or income tax return
• Medical Assistance cards and/or statement of benefits received through TANF or food stamps, if applicable
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency, such as a driver’s license, a copy of a lease, a utility bill, or recent mail with your name and address
• Immunization records for all children 2 years of age or younger
• Children under age 5
• If applicable, proof of pregnancy from your doctor stating your due date
• Blood work results (hematocrit or hemoglobin) if available

Visit our Locations Page for address and contact information.

• Eddystone
• Springfield
• Upper Darby

Since breastfeeding offers many health benefits for both the mother and baby, WIC encourages all mothers-to-be to consider breastfeeding. Mother’s milk is easy to digest and soothes the baby’s stomach. It is the baby’s first immunization, protecting against asthma, infections, allergies and obesity as they grow. WIC moms can call the WIC Breastfeeding Helpline with breastfeeding questions and for support from a Certified Lactation Counselor.

As a physician or health care provider, your referral makes a difference.

It is easy to refer your patients to WIC. Instruct your patient to contact the Delaware County WIC Appointment Call Center. Trained call center staff will provide information, answer questions and connect your patient to the WIC office closes to their home.

WIC physician referral forms

• WIC Referral Form for Pregnant Women and Post-Partum Women
• WIC Referral Form for Infants and Children
• WIC Program Prescription for Special Formula and Authorization for Milk Substitutes Form