WIC

New York State WIC - Together Growing Stronger Families

USDA Nutrition Messages

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has replaced the Food Pyramid with a plate, MyPlate, that shows the types and quantities of food we should be eating to have a healthy diet. In its most simple terms, MyPlate gives the following advice:

Balancing Calories.

  • Enjoy your food, but eat less.
  • Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase

  • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
  • Make at least half your grains whole grains.
  • Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Foods to Reduce

  • Compare sodium on food labels, in foods like soup, bread and frozen meals and choose foods with the lower numbers.
  • Drink water instead of sugary drinks
ChooseMyPlate.gov logo
Fruits Grains
Protein Vegetables
Dairy

Breastfeeding Campaign

Television PSAs

WIC Participant Rights and Responsibilities

I have received information on my rights and responsibilities as a WIC participant. I understand that I have the right to:

  • Receive fair and respectful treatment from WIC staff and grocery store employees.
  • Have the information I have provided to WIC staff remain confidential. It will not be released to anyone outside the WIC Program without my permission.
  • Receive nutrition education and information about health care and other helpful services.
  • Use any grocery store or pharmacy in New York State that is authorized to accept WIC.
  • Receive a food package that meets my nutritional needs, or those of my child.
  • Request a transfer to another WIC local agency.
  • Be told when and why my WIC program benefits will end.
  • Ask for a fair hearing if I disagree with decisions regarding my eligibility.

The information I have given to see if I am eligible for the WIC Program is correct, to the best of my knowledge. I understand that:

  • WIC Program staff may check the information that I have given to them to confirm that it is correct.
  • If I make false or misleading statements or withhold information on purpose to get WIC benefits, I may have to pay the State back for the benefits I received improperly. I may be legally prosecuted by New York or Federal officials.
  • I may participate in only one WIC Program or one Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). I certify that I am not currently enrolled in any other WIC Program or CSFP.
  • WIC foods are only for the participating family member. I cannot sell or give away WIC foods and WIC checks.
  • If my food package needs to be changed or stopped for a short time, I will call my local WIC office.

I am aware that the local agency will make health services and nutrition education available to me, and I am encouraged to participate in these services.

I may appeal any decision made by the local agency regarding my eligibility for the Program.

I am aware that standards for eligibility and participation in the WIC Program are the same for everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, handicap, or sex.

Other Important Information for WIC Participants

Requesting a Fair Hearing

If you are denied participation or disqualified from the WIC Program, you have the right to ask for a Fair Hearing if you disagree with the decision. You must be given written notification of your right to a Fair Hearing. You may ask for a conference with the local agency within seven days to discuss your concerns before you ask for a Fair Hearing. You must contact the local agency and ask for a Fair Hearing within 60 days of the denial or disqualification. Local agency staff are available to help you fill out a complaint form.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

New York State Nondiscrimination Statement

New York State prohibits discrimination based on creed, marital status and sexual orientation.

Persons who believe they have been discriminated against based on the New York State Human Rights Law should call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006, or write to the WIC Program Director, NYSDOH, Riverview Center, 6th Floor West, Room 650, 150 Broadway, Albany NY 12204.

State of New York
Department of Health

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Publication 4369
Ver 9/2012