Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
About the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Program
The Health Department administers this USDA–funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program provides nutrition and health education, healthy supplemental food, and other services to Kansas families who qualify.
WIC's goal is to help ensure the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, new moms, and kids under age 5 by providing:
Personalized nutrition information and support
Checks to buy healthy food
Tips for eating well to improve health
Referrals for services that can benefit the whole family
This program also offers
Immunization screening and referral
Breastfeeding promotion and support
Nutrition and health classes covering a variety of topics:
Meal planning
Maintaining a healthy weight
Picky eaters
Caring for a new baby
Shopping on a budget
The Nutrition & The Nutrition & WIC Services Program also provides nutrition support for the variety of programs within the Kansas Bureau of Family Health. The mission of Nutrition & WIC Services is to improve the health status and nutritional well-being of Kansans through access to:
Quality nutrition services by a registered dietitian
Substance abuse identification
Nutrition education
Integration with and referral to other health services
Who’s Eligible?
Many working people are eligible for WIC and don't realize it. WIC serves Kansas residents who are:
- Breastfeeding, up to the baby's first birthday
- Non-breastfeeding mothers, up to six months after the baby's birth
- Children under five years old
- Meet the WIC Income Guidelines
- Have a medical or nutritional need
Examples of nutritional risk factors to determine eligibility include:
- A high or low weight for height/length
- A diet inappropriate for age
- A reduced amount of iron in the blood (hemoglobin)
- Medical conditions that jeopardize nutritional status
WIC clients must meet WIC income guideline and have a medical or nutritional need.
How to Apply
Call the Health Department to schedule an appointment. The Arkansas City office and the Winfield office are both certified WIC agencies and can assist you during the application process.
- Arkansas City Office: 620-442-3260
- Winfield Office: 620-221-1430
At your appointment, there will be a brief review of foods you eat, medical history, and current health status to determine the medical or nutritional need. If you or your child is found eligible for WIC benefits, the appointment will also include nutrition education.
For your first appointment, you will need to bring:
- Proof of Identity
- Birth certificate
- Driver's license
- KS Medicaid card
- Military ID
- Passport
- Photo ID
- School ID
- Proof of ID for Child
- Birth certificate
- Foster care/adoption papers
- KS Medicaid card
- Shot/Immunization records
- WIC cannot accept Social Security Cards as proof of identity
- Proof of Residency
- Envelope that was mailed to you
- Official letter
- Rent receipts
- Utility bill
- Proof of Household Income for all people living in your house
- Income tax form for self-employment
- Medicaid/Healthwave 19 card
- Paycheck stub from current job
- SRS benefit letter
WIC Nutrition and WIC Approved Foods
For more information about WIC nutrition and WIC approved foods, visit our WIC Nutrition and WIC Approved Foods page.
Other WIC Benefits and Resources
Breastfeeding support and assistance
We have a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor who is available both during business and non-business hours (as needed) to help educate, support, and encourage you to help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
We have 2 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants available to help you with any questions or concerns you may have as well as provide support and encouragement throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Nutrition education
In addition to ensuring that you and your family get the necessary nutrition, our registered nurses and registered dietician are available to guide you towards a healthier life. With their knowledge and experience, they can provide guidance and tips on:
- Food preparation and cooking
- The nutritional needs of children for health development
- How to work with picky eaters
- Much more!
Many other local agencies can provide you with excellent educational resources. We refer many families to our local partners who can provide a variety of educational opportunities. From cooking lessons to classes that promote healthier living and chronic disease prevention, many educational and fun opportunities are available within the community!
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also provides many nutritional education resources and materials available on their website:
Kansas WIC has partnered with FI Channels to bring you the Kansas WIC Channel. This streaming service provides educational programing regarding the Kansas WIC Program. The service is packed with videos about topics ranging from pregnancy to nutrition, and everything in between! There are even games available to make learning more interactive and fun! Spanish programming is available on the channel as well.
Meet Our WIC Staff
Our experienced and dedicated nurses are here to ensure that you and your family get the nutritional assistance and guidance for healthier and happier living.
Hi! I'm Alicia Ramey. I'm the registered dietitian for the WIC program at the City Cowley County Health Department. I've worked for the CCCHD since 2011, so I've been a familiar face in both offices for many years. I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and love to help expecting and now mommies to learn about all the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is something I'm passionate about, so I'm happy to give the extra time needed to help new moms achieve their goals.
Additional Information
For more information about any of our services, don’t hesitate to call us at either of our office locations! We look forward to chatting with you and helping you enjoy all the benefits that WIC provides!
Arkansas City Office
115 E. Radio Lane
Arkansas City, KS 67005
620-442-3260
Winfield Office
320 E 9th Ave
Winfield, KS 67156
620-221-1430
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866)632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410; or by fax: (202)690-7442; Email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
