WIC breastfeeding peer counselors(o)

The Vermont Agency of Human Services received a $197,484 Formula Grant award from the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The grant funding supports the WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (CFDA 10.557) and will be used to provide WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2025.

The WIC program aims to provide supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health and social services to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who are determined to be at nutritional risk. Specifically, the awarded funding will support breastfeeding peer counselors who provide counseling and education services to breastfeeding women participating in Vermont's WIC program. The peer counselors promote breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration among targeted program participants.