WIC program available to Team Moody members

  • Published
  • By Airman Greg Nash
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 23d Medical Group, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Public Health, kicked off a grand opening for the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program May 21, here.

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program which services are free to those who have children under the age of five and are pregnant or breastfeeding. The program is designed to provide food vouchers, educate participants about healthy eating habits and refers them to other social services.

"We have a unique opportunity to positively [utilize the WIC program to] impact the community and the Airmen at Moody," said Holly Rountree, GDPH South Health District nutrition services director. "This is important because the ease of access people didn't experience before this partnership will now be available at the [23d MDG] pediatric clinic."

The partnership between the 23d MDG and the GDPH provides a convenient alternative due to the busy schedule the military lifestyle demands.

"We understand the time constraints with being a military member are tough enough," said Capt. Amanda Sims-High, 23d Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy officer. "Traveling off duty hours to a local WIC office and trying to make it on time can make life much harder, so we're glad to provide this assistance on base."

After getting assisted on base, individuals can go use the free WIC vouchers at the commissary.

"Most major grocery stores are WIC vendors, which of course includes the commissary," said Rountree. "Services include receiving free vouchers to purchase foods such as infant formula, milk, baby food, and cereal."

Every Thursday, GDPH representatives at the pediatric clinic will provide assistance to determine who may be eligible for WIC and signing up participants, as well.

Some Airmen may be eligible for WIC and the 23d MDG and GDPH representatives are focusing their efforts on spreading awareness about the program on base.

"Individuals need to bring in proof of income [Leave and Earnings Statement] and eligibility requirements are based on household size and yearly, monthly and weekly income guidelines which can be found in our brochures and online," said Rountree. "[It is important] that Airmen know the salary guidelines are only assessed on base pay."

The WIC clinic will be open every Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., but as participation grows, GDPH representatives hope to be available at the pediatric clinic throughout the entire work week, said Rountree.

"Interested individuals can call 229-257-7293 at any time to schedule an appointment or receive additional information," said Rountree. "Even if you don't talk to a representative or call late, we will monitor the voicemail from local WIC offices and set you up for an appointment and give feedback to your questions and concerns."

For additional information, individuals can visit www.wic.ga.gov or visit the pediatric clinic for a Georgia WIC brochure.