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In 2024, the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program) marks its 50th anniversary! A crucial safety net providing nutritional support to women and children, TrueCare WIC has proudly been part of WIC history in North County San Diego since its inception in 1974. WIC helps pregnant individuals, new mothers, and children up to age 5 eat well, stay active, and maintain their health – all at no cost!
TrueCare recognized early on the benefits that WIC services could offer our patients. Our WIC program began as a pilot and, with Congressional support, evolved into a permanent local WIC agency. Today, we serve our communities through six offices in Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona, San Marcos, and Valley Center.
A Brief History
Over the years, WIC has transformed into a successful community-based public health program. Significant milestones include:
- 1978: The introduction of nutrition education, a healthier food package low in salt, sugar and fat, and referrals to social services.
- 1992 and 1997: New programs added to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve public support for breastfeeding.
- 2004: The USDA launched the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Initiative to provide peer support and counseling from experienced breastfeeding mothers to new moms. TrueCare WIC was a recipient of the initial Breastfeeding Peer Counseling funds, and the program continues today.
WIC has also enhanced its food packages over the years to include fruits, vegetables, and culturally sensitive substitutes, with additional foods for mothers who exclusively breastfeed.
Making An Impact
Today, TrueCare WIC serves nearly 10,700 women and children monthly. We are recognized for our best practices in California and nationally. Our breastfeeding programs, lactation services, and innovative cross-departmental integrative processes have significantly increased access to health care and other social services for WIC participants.
Studies consistently show that WIC participation leads to better health outcomes. WIC members have reduced premature births, low birth-weight babies, fetal and infant deaths, and lower incidences of low-iron anemia. The program also increases access to early prenatal care and regular health care, improving diet quality and ensuring key nutrient intake during critical growth periods.
Promoting a Healthy Start
Some of the many benefits of WIC at TrueCare include:
- Nutritious Food: A monthly stipend to buy healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, bread, and more!
- Breastfeeding support: Education, breast pump loan program, and lactation consultations.
- Nutrition education: Healthy living tips from Registered Dietitians and other nutrition experts who specialize in nutrition for mothers and their children.
- Referrals: Connection to medical and social services tailored to participants’ needs.
Most importantly, at TrueCare WIC, we provide friendly, professional support for the unique health care needs of mothers, infants, and young children.
As we celebrate this remarkable 50-year legacy, TrueCare WIC is grateful for our talented and dedicated WIC staff and our collaborative partnerships with TrueCare providers. We look forward to continuing this vital work for another 50 years and beyond!
For more information, visit our TrueCare WIC webpage.
