HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Representatives from the Bedford, Massachusetts, Women, Infants and Children program are available on the base the first Wednesday of each month from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in building 1540.
WIC is a free program to support pregnant women, infants, and new mothers. The program helps families with children up to the age of five secure access to nutritional foods and develop healthy eating habits.
“The best part of this program is that we get to help the families who need it,” said Theresa Medeiros, assistant director at Cambridge Health Alliance WIC Department. “It always feels good to help someone who needs the support.”
The program also welcomes fathers, grandparents, stepparents, and other guardians who play an important role in raising children.
Assistance is available for military members, contractors and civilians assigned to Hanscom.
The WIC program provides:
- Healthy foods for pregnant women, infants and children
- Counseling with trained nutritionists
- Health education
- Breastfeeding support and counseling
- Referrals to health care and social services
- Educational workshops
- Online nutrition education
WIC services are free for Massachusetts families who qualify. Eligibility is based on standard income eligibility guidelines including the number of people in the household.
Anyone who receives benefits from Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Mass Health, and is in one of the standard plans, automatically qualifies.
If someone has private health insurance or TRICARE they will need to show proof of income.
WIC participants can also receive discounts on heating bills, internet connections, and tickets to more than 200 museums, zoos and cultural organizations using their WIC card
For more information on the WIC program, visit https://www.challiance.org/wic or call 857-523-2797. For information about WIC card discounts, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/get-discounts-with-your-wic-card.