January 3, 2007

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) has moved its Southwest WIC Clinic to the Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star.

Business hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Mondays, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information about enrolling in WIC, call 713-794-9090.

WIC provides nutrition education to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, women who have given birth in the last six months and children up to age five who have nutrition health-related problems. Single fathers, grandparents and foster parents may also be eligible for WIC services for their children.

WIC’s goal is to reduce premature births, low birth weigh, the fetal death rate and long-term medical expenses.

Typically, WIC provides prenatal and breastfeeding support for mothers, formula for infants who are not breastfeeding and supplemental foods such as cereal, eggs, milk, juice, peanut butter and cheese for women and children. Also, each participating infant or child and their siblings receive immunizations at no cost.

A single pregnant woman with an annual income of less than $18,130 qualifies for WIC services as well as a family of four with an annual income of less than $37,000. Applicants may qualify for WIC benefits even if they are currently working.

Standards for participation in WIC are the same for everyone regardless of sex, age, handicap, race, creed and national origin. People who feel that they have been discriminated against can call 1-800-942-3678.