NEWS RELEASE
March 15, 2000

Department of Community Health Holds Public Comment Period on the WIC Program

Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that the Department will receive written comments from the public on Michigan's WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Supplemental Food Program through April 30, 2000.

"The WIC program is a valuable program serving women and children in need in Michigan," said Haveman. "Public comments are an important way for us to evaluate the program and ensure it is effectively serving families."

The WIC Program serves pregnant, breast-feeding, and postpartum women, infants and children at or below 185% of poverty who are at nutritional and/or medical risk. WIC provides nutritious foods (via coupon) to supplement and help improve the diet, nutrition education, screening for other health problems and referrals to other appropriate health, education and social services.

Public comment, required by federal regulations, may be on any aspect of the WIC Program. They will be used by the department to review WIC operations and to make program improvements.

Written comments should be mailed to:

WIC Division
Attn: Ms. Diane Revitte
Michigan Department of Community Health
2150 Apollo Drive, P.O. Box 30195
Lansing, Michigan 48906