WIC breastfeeding peer counselors(o)

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $1,737,724 in formula grant funding to the Washington State Department of Health on October 1, 2025, to support WIC breastfeeding peer counselor services through September 30, 2027, under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (CFDA 10.557).

The Washington State Department of Health distributed these funds to 17 sub-recipients across Washington State to deliver WIC nutrition program services, including breastfeeding peer counselor and client services. Sub-recipients include Lewis County Health Department, Grays Harbor County, the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation, Benton-Franklin Health District, King County (Public Health-Seattle & King County), Pacific County, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Sea-Mar Community Health Centers, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, Multicare Health System (Tacoma General Hospital), Columbia Basin Health Association, Pregnancy Aid, and Community Action of Skagit County. Sub-awards to these entities were awarded between June 3 and July 29, 2026, for the delivery of WIC services in compliance with federal regulations, state office policies, and WIC directives. Several sub-awards included fund additions and caseload updates through exhibit amendments reflecting FFY26 WIC Client Services Contracts and breastfeeding peer counselor program management funding.

Performance occurs in Washington State, with the Washington State Department of Health serving as the administrative recipient channeling USDA nutrition assistance funding through its sub-recipient network of local health departments, federally qualified health centers, tribal governments, and community-based organizations to serve low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five determined to be at nutritional risk.