WIC Program Facts

Proven Track Record 

WIC saves lives and improves the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants, and children. The results of studies prove that WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs. Since its beginning in 1974, the WIC program has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States.

• WIC reduces fetal deaths and infant mortality.
• WIC reduces low birthweight rates and increases the duration of pregnancy.
• WIC improves the growth of nutritionally at-risk infants and children.
• WIC decreases 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 up to date immunizations.
• WIC helps get children ready to start school: children who receive WIC benefits demonstrate improved intellectual development.
• WIC significantly improves children’s diets.

For more information, visit the Food and Nutrition Service website. 

Ohio WIC Program Profile  

Caseload: Fiscal Year 2025 Monthly Average 180,721.

• Number of Women: 41,698.
• Number of Infants: 43,160.
• Number of Children: 95,864.
• Overall grant of $202,162,951($141,152,458 food and $61,010,493 NSA) and $43,973,868 in infant formula rebates.
• Actual average monthly net food package cost of $61.73 per participant.
• Actual average monthly nutrition services and administration cost of $24.34 per participant. 
• One of the largest programs in the Midwest – ninth largest WIC program in the United States.
• Program is 100 percent federally funded.
• Operates in all 88 of Ohio's counties.