WIC - Information

Highlights of the WIC Program Effectiveness

• WIC reduces fetal deaths and infant mortality
• WIC reduces low birth weight rates and increases the duration of pregnancy
• WIC improves 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 current immunizations
• WIC helps get children ready to start school: children who receive WIC benefits demonstrate intellectual improvement
• WIC significantly improves children's diets

Montana WIC Facts

The Montana WIC Program was initiated in 1974 with 2 pilot sites at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Health Department and Fort Peck Tribal Health Department. Since that time services have been expanded to all 56 counties. Services continue to be available to all eligible participants in Montana, but due to limited Federal WIC funds, streamlining of clinics and services is taking place.

• The state contracts with 27 local WIC Agencies, including 7 Indian Reservations
• 99 Clinic sites in the state
• 125 local staff providing WIC services
• 8 state WIC staff and 3 dedicated IT staff located in Helena
• WIC services are provided to approximately 20,277 participants each month
• The average monthly value of a food package is $55.45.
• Over $1.15 million is spent monthly in Montana
• Breast Feeding Peer Counselor Programs are offered through 5 local agencies
• WIC Farmers Market Program is offered through 8 local agencies
• 225 grocery stores in Montana accept WIC checks
• Montana WIC breastfeeding rates are higher than the national average

For more information about Montana's WIC program, go to
MT State WIC Program and click on WIC/Nutrition or call 1-406-444-5533