The Idaho Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program was awarded a $1.1 million high-performance bonus for attaining one of the highest breast-feeding rates in the nation.

The bonus from the U.S. Deptartment of Agriculture recognizes Idaho for having one of the Top 3 breast-feeding rates in the nation, with 32 percent of Idaho WIC-enrolled infants being fully breast-fed.

About half of the award money will go to local WIC agencies for program improvements. The rest will help pay for state WIC infrastructure improvements, including information systems enhancements.

Breast-fed babies show an increased resistance to infections, including ear infections, and a decreased risk of serious illnesses. Long-term health benefits for the child include a reduced incidence of childhood obesity, cancers, allergies and asthma, said Kris Spain, state WIC program manager.

For the mother, breast-feeding increases the bonding with the baby and also reduces the risk of some cancers. On top of the health benefits, breast-feeding is more economical for the family budget, does not require formula preparation and is convenient and ready when the baby wants to eat.

Idaho’s WIC program serves low-income pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women, and children under age 5 who are nutritionally at risk. Last year, almost 45,000 Idaho women, infants and children received monthly services and healthy foods from the Idaho WIC program.

WIC is provided through 50 clinics operated by the seven Idaho public health districts and two Native American health agencies. WIC provides nutrition education, referrals to health care and community services, breast-feeding information and support, and supplemental foods from local grocery stores. Last year, WIC provided approximately $48 per month of nutritional foods for each WIC participant.

For more about the program, visit: www.WIC.dhw.idaho.gov, or call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1, or contact your local Public Health District.