WIC celebrates 50 years of programming

BOSTON (WWLP) – A program providing supplemental nutrition benefits and education to women, infants, and children–celebrated its 50th anniversary at the State House in Boston on Tuesday.

The social service is meant to keep pregnant and breastfeeding people and their children under age 5 healthy, and it also provides breastfeeding support, access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and referrals to other community-based resources.

In Massachusetts,126,000 people participate in the program every month, including 43.2% of all infants across 31 local agencies.

Bree McAlister is a registered dietician working at the WIC agency that serves Franklin and Hampshire counties. Her mother utilized WIC services when McAlister was an infant to purchase formula.

“WIC has been around for me since I was a little baby. Everyone keeps wondering ‘Are prices ever going to go down?’ So WIC has really been a way that people can get food on the table,” said McAlister.

Western Massachusetts’ WIC services fall under the Community Action Pioneer Valley umbrella.
22News spoke to Jessica Thompson, their Associate Director for Community Engagement.

She said WIC is crucial to their mission of keeping the Pioneer Valley “housed, fed, warm, and supported.” In addition to the WIC program, Community Action Pioneer Valley offers access to Head Start, fuel assistance, heating assistance, and over 30 other programs.

Western Massachusetts women who would like to apply for WIC for themselves or their children can find the full application online, or call or visit their local WIC office for assistance.

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