October 22, 2009

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) will sponsor walk-in registrations for its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program at the Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 31.

Those interested in enrolling in WIC or recertifying for WIC benefits need to take an identification and proof of income and address to the walk-in registration event. They also need to take their children’s immunization records, if available.

Child immunizations, dental screenings for children 1 to 5 years of age, face paintings and Halloween treat bags and information bags will be offered at the event. 

HDHHS will issue electronic benefit cards for nutritious foods at the registration event to those who qualify for WIC benefits.  

WIC provides nutrition education and food benefits 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 are also 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, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and cheese for women and children. Also, each participating infant or child and their siblings receive immunizations at no cost.

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