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Pregnant Women, New Mothers Can Get Help Through WIC Program

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Montana families needing a little extra help right with nutrition and food services should not hesitate to apply for the Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, program.

That message from state health department officials, like Jamie Palagi who says the COVID-19 pandemic continues to economically stress many young families.

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"And sometimes I think folks who maybe are getting support in other areas, maybe through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or other public assistance programs, think they’re not eligible for WIC, but that’s not true. They can receive WIC plus other support as well."

WIC helps expecting and new mothers with a variety of services, including food assistance, nutrition education and breastfeeding support. Every month Montana’s WIC program supports 15,000 pregnant women, mothers and children under 5 years old.

Palagi says there’s plenty more room for new applicants and encourages Montana families who need help to sign up.

Montana’s 85 WIC agencies are now booking telephone appointments for new, past and current clients. For more information visit

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Edward O'Brien is Montana Public Radio's Associate News Director.