WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors Formula Grant Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the South Dakota Department of Health $216,219 through a Formula Grant under the WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (CFDA 10.557) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This funding supports breastfeeding peer counselor services as part of South Dakota's comprehensive WIC program administration. The award represents a component of the state's broader WIC formula funding, which totals approximately $20 million annually and addresses nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion for income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under age five determined to be at nutritional risk.

Breastfeeding peer counselor services funded under this award provide direct support to WIC participants through trained community members who deliver culturally appropriate lactation guidance and encouragement. These services complement the WIC program's core offerings of supplemental nutritious foods and health/social service referrals. The South Dakota Department of Health administers this funding as the state WIC agency and may distribute portions to local agencies or partner organizations for direct service delivery, consistent with standard WIC program implementation models.