The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) is seeking public comment on ways to improve the services provided by Georgia's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) during May 2006. During this period, Georgians are invited to comment on the program by emailing WICcomments@dhr. state.ga.us or by sending comments in writing to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, WIC Branch, Suite 10-463, Two Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

"We value the input we receive from WIC recipients and make every attempt to incorporate their suggestions whenever possible." said Dr. Stuart Brown, director of the Division of Public Health at the DHR. "For example, in the past we have received many requests to incorporate more culturally diverse foods, which is something that the federal government is now considering." The Georgia WIC Program provides vouchers for supplemental foods such as cereal, eggs, juice, milk, peanut butter, and infant formula to approximately 274,000 participants monthly. Women also receive nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and referrals to other health and social services. Information about WIC is available at all county health departments, 28 hospitals, seven Department of Family and Children Services offices, seven military bases, and at Grady Health Systems and Southside Healthcare, Inc. in Atlanta. Currently, there are over 1,800 authorized food retailers that participate in the WIC food delivery system. WIC is 100% federally funded and administered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health. The Georgia WIC Program is the nation's seventh largest Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC benefits are available to eligible pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children up to five years of age.

Eligible participants must be a state resident; be at nutritional or medical risk as determined by a health professional; and have an income at or below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. The 2006 Georgia WIC yearly income eligibility guidelines vary by family size - $18,130 for a family of 1; $24,420 for a family of 2; $30,710 for a family of 3; $37,000 for a family of 4; $43,290 for a family of 5; $49,580 for a family of 6; $55,870 for a family of 7; $62,160 for a family of 8. For each additional family member, add $6,290.

For more information about the WIC Program, call the Wilkes County Health Department at 706678-2622, or call 1-800-228-9173, or visit http://health.state.ga.us/programs/ wic/.