WIC - Women, Infants & Children 

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program for pregnant women, women with infant children, breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age five who meet certain eligibility requirements (including income level).

Eligible program participants receive:

• Nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support
• Checks which can be used to buy qualified food
• Check to see if you may be eligible... [WIC Prescreening tool]
  This tool helps you know if you may be eligible for WIC.  It is NOT an application for WIC.

WIC Locations & Hours (no appointment required):

• Sarasota County Health Department (Ringling Health Center) - Room 167
  2200 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota FL  34237
  (941) 861-2929
  Mon - Thurs: 8 - 11 a.m., 1 - 3:30 p.m.
• South County Health Center (Venice) -
  19503 S West Villages Pkwy, North Port, FL  34293
  (941) 861-3336
  Mon - Thurs: 8 - 11 a.m., 1 - 3:30 p.m.
  
  (Same location as former address:  Suite A9/A10, 7810 Tamiami Trl S, Venice)
  

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• Learn why it's important to get your advice from a licensed professional...

Did you know these things about the Sarasota County WIC Program?
[Updated February 2011]

• All WIC services are available on a walk in basis (no appointment required) Monday through Thursday.
• Walk in hours are now 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
• A limited number of appointments are available for those who need them.
• A family of 4 earning $3,400 or less per month would meet the WIC income requirements.
• Women are not required to show proof of pregnancy to receive WIC benefits.
• Women who have had pregnancy losses are still eligible to receive WIC benefits for up to 6 months after delivery.
• Three Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are now available to provide breastfeeding support to WIC clients.
• WIC has hospital grade electric breast pumps that can be loaned to WIC mothers who have infants in the NICU. We also have single user electric breast pumps we can give to full time working mothers or students who are fully breastfeeding rather than receiving formula from WIC. Breast pumps are issued only during regular walk in hours or by scheduled appointment.
• WIC now helps families buy fruits and vegetables, as well as other healthy foods.

• WIC is an equal opportunity provider.

• More information about the WIC program is available at www.FloridaWIC.org or you may call the local WIC offices using the contact information above.

Related Links:

• The Florida Department of Health - WIC
  Available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.  Includes eligibility information.