When Families Need More Than Food
Pregnancy often comes with excitement and anticipation. For one WIC client living with domestic violence, the news brought a different set of emotions: fear, uncertainty, and urgent questions about how to keep herself and her growing family safe.
What she needed most during her first WIC visit wasn't nutrition education or assistance with groceries. She needed help understanding her options and finding support.
Elida Leonard, a breastfeeding peer counsellor, talks with a WIC client.
After sharing what she was facing, she was connected with domestic violence resources and other services that could help her move forward. She left with a plan to protect and provide for her family.
Her story reflects something Stacey Busey, WIC supervisor, sees often: families arrive with one need, only to discover challenges that extend beyond food.
"We're here to listen, understand what's going on, and connect families with resources that can help," Busey said.
Parents come to WIC carrying more than questions about nutrition. They may be navigating rising housing costs, financial strain, health concerns, or major life changes that affect their family's well-being.
For families who qualify, WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to community resources. Those services are designed to support healthy pregnancies and early childhood development, but they also create opportunities for families to build relationships with people who can help when other challenges arise.
One parent came to WIC after being told a medical condition would likely prevent them from breastfeeding. A WIC lactation consultant helped her understand that breastfeeding might still be possible, even if her journey looked different than expected.
With guidance and encouragement, she was able to breastfeed and provide breast milk for her baby. Years later, that same WIC client became a breastfeeding peer counselor, helping other parents face similar challenges.
Food assistance may be what first brings families through WIC's doors. For many, the lasting impact is knowing they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. By helping families access nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and community resources, WIC can provide stability and support when it matters most.