The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program managed in the Creston area by MATURA Action Corporation is open, active and operating as normal and has not been impacted by the partial government shutdown.
According to Karla Hynes, program director for MATURA’s WIC program, it’s status quo for the WIC program.
“We’ve had a couple of calls from concerned participants. We want to let everyone know we are open, benefits continue and services remain,” said Hynes.
According to Hynes, the local agency is the best place to get accurate, up-to-date information regarding the WIC program and any possible changes in services or clinic locations.
“We have instant contact with the state WIC office. They will let us know if anything changes regarding benefits. If anyone has any questions, give us a call. The best thing is to like us on Facebook. We will communicate information on that site first. Look for ‘Matura WIC-I Smile-1st Five’ on Facebook or call 641-202-7114 to reach our office,” said Hynes.
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for babies, children under the age of 5, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women who have had a baby in the last six months. WIC helps families by providing healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to other health care agencies.
According to Hynes, it is a great time to sign up for WIC.
“The winter months bring the extra expense of holidays and increased utility usage. The supplemental foods available through WIC help stretch family food dollars. Plus, the education and information obtained by sitting knees-to-knees with a dietitian or nurse is priceless,” Hynes said.
Hynes encourages continued support of local food pantries, as well.
“We all tend to remember food donations during the holidays, but the food pantries always need donations of food and personal items,” Hynes said.
For more information or to sign-up for WIC, call 641-202-7114. MATURA’s WIC holds clinics in Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Madison, Page, Ringgold, Taylor and Union counties.