Directions. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow it Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federally fundprogram that provides assistance to low-income women who are pregnant or have small children. WIC also provides
for the infants up to their first birthday and children up to the age of five. WIC offers these participants, who may be at nutritional risk, healthful foods and dietary
counseling. Referrals to health care, welfare, and social services are also given. Although services are provided at no cost to participants, specific guidelines must be met for
eligibility. In order to qualify, an individual cannot eam more than the 185 percent of the U. S. Poverty Income Guidelines. Those participating in other benefit programs, such
as food stamps or Medicaid, automatically meet the requirement. Nutritional risk must be determined by a health professional and is based on federal guidelines.
Not all those who are eligible to participate in the program receive WIC services, however. WIC is a federal grant program. Therefore, Congress awards specific funds
annually for the program. The funds from Congress are administered to 90 WIC agencies that work with local agencies and clinics. The agencies can be found in all 50 states
33 Indian Tribal Organizations, the District of Columbia and some U. S. territories. Agencies provide participants with vouchers or checks that can be used in authorized
stores to purchase specific foods to supplement their diets. Approximately 46.000 merchants nationwide accept the vouchers.
Each month. 7.5 million people receive WIC benefits: 3.82 million are children. The program, which became permanent in 1974, has shown to be effective in improving the
health of women, new mothers, and infants. One study conducted in 1990 found that women who participated in WIC during their pregnancies had lower medical costs,
longer gestation periods, higher birth weights, and lower infant mortality rates than those who did not participate. Children are more likely to receive regular vaccinations and
medical care. Studies have also shown improved cognitive development, leading directly to better grades in school.

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