County's WIC Program Ranked First in the Entire State

Liberty, NY – Sullivan County’s WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program has been ranked #1 in New York State for providing nutrition services 100% of the time by qualified nutritionists. The ranking was determined by the NYS Department of Health’s Division of Nutrition Services, WIC Program.

The program was also recently ranked sixth in the State for the percentage of infants exclusively breastfed at six months, at 21.3%.

“I’m thrilled with this news and give credit to the dedicated folks who run WIC with complete compassion and concern for those they serve,” said District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz, chair of the Legislature’s Health & Family Services Committee. “They, as much as the program itself, are #1!”

“It is really gratifying to see so many more women continue to exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least 6 months. Breast milk contains antibodies that helps babies fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers a baby's risk of having asthma or allergies” explained Nancy McGraw, Public Health Director. 

She credits the hard work of the WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding, quality nutrition counseling, and implementing monthly breastfeeding support groups under the direction and leadership of Lynn Guiser, MS, RDN, LDN – WIC Coordinator.

Operated under the Department of Public Health Services, WIC plays an important role in health improvement throughout Sullivan County. WIC staff provide evidence-based nutrition education, breastfeeding support, vouchers for nutritious food, and healthcare referrals to approximately 1,600 eligible pregnant and post-partum women, infants and children up to age five.

Starting July 9, WIC’s hours of operation are expanding to assure weekly evening appointments. Farmers’ market vouchers will be distributed to participants starting June 1. And in December, WIC will begin transitioning from paper checks for nutritious foods to a debit-type card for each family. 

WIC clinics operate twice-weekly at Sullivan County Public Health Services in Liberty, three times weekly at the Government Center in Monticello, and monthly at the Callicoon Town Hall in Jeffersonville and the Community Room at the corner of Fourth and Sullivan streets in Wurtsboro.

WIC staff  invite people to call 845-292-5910, extension 5, for more information, to inquire about eligibility, or to make an appointment.