WIC breastfeeding peer counselors(o)

The Florida Department of Health received a $6,181,646 Formula Grant award from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to support the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors program. The award period is from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2023.

The funding supports the state's implementation of the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) by providing low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five determined to be at nutritional risk with supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health and social services. Specifically, the award will allow the Florida Department of Health to provide breastfeeding peer counseling services to WIC participants through its Office of Deputy Secretary for Operations. Peer counselors will offer education and support to help breastfeeding mothers successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding. The goal is to improve maternal and child health outcomes among low-income families in Florida.