Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

Through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, the Vilas County Public Health Department provides health and nutrition risk assessment and counseling to income eligible pregnant, breast feeding and postpartum women, infants and children to age 5. Vouchers for WIC approved foods and formula are distributed for use at participating stores statewide.

WIC serves:

• Women who are pregnant or a new mother
• Women who are breastfeeding
• Teenage mothers
• Infants and children up to 5 years of age
• Live in Wisconsin
• Household gross income is less than or equal to the WIC income guidelines and/or your qualify for other programs such as Badgercare, Medicaid, Healthy Start, Free and Reduced Lunch, etc.

WIC is a nutritional program that provides:

• Free healthy foods (see Farmers' Market Nutrition Program)
• Practical nutritional tips
• Information about community resources
• Breastfeeding information and support
• Iron screenings
• Childhood lead testing
• Vaccine information and immunizations

To participate, your family must:

• Meet the moderate income guidelines
• Have a diet that does not meet recommended dietary standards

What happens at a WIC appointment?

• You will fill out a WIC questionnaire.
• A nurse or health aid will weigh, measure and do a simple blood test. You may bring this information from your doctor to the WIC Clinic.
• You will talk with WIC nutrition staff about food, eating habits and your family's health.
• You will find out if you or your children can participate in WIC.

Once you are a WIC Participant...

• You receive an ID card.
• You receive drafts for food and learn how to cash them at the grocery store.
• You will be scheduled for an appointment to return to the WIC Clinic for monthly drafts.
• You can learn more about nurtrition and health.
• You or your children will need to be certified again about every six months to see if you are still eligible.

For more information on the eligibility and benefits, visit the Wisconsin WIC Program web site or call the Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656 or contact by email.

Or you may call WIC directly at 1-800-722-2295, or visit their website at http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/WIC/index.htm.

WIC Hours

WIC check pick-up days in Eagle River are the first three Tuesdays of each month between the hours of 9:00 am and noon and 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, checks can be picked up in Arbor Vitae between 9:00 am and noon and 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

Recertification hours are the first three Wednesdays of each month in Eagle River between the hours of 9:00 am and noon and 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

All check pick ups and recertifications must be by appointment. Vilas County WIC no longer offers recertification appointments in Arbor Vitae. Please call if you cannot make your appointment as these appointments fill quickly and can be offered to another participant.

WIC Locations

Eagle River Vilas County Courthouse Vilas County Public Health Department 330 Court Street Eagle River, WI 54521

Arbor Vitae Vilas County Garage AV10718 Highway 70 East Arbor Vitae, WI 54568

Contact Information

Anna Kessro: 715-479-3782 (office)
Anna Kessro: 715-891-0815 (cell)
Public Health Department: 715-479-3656
Fax: 715-479-3741
Toll-Free: 866-845-2726
Email: ankess@co.vilas.wi.us

Nutrition Education

Visit the Vilas County University of Wisconsin-Extension site for additional nutrition education.

 

 

Vilas County Public Health Department
Courthouse, 330 Court Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
Phone: 715-479-3656; Fax: 715-479-3741