The Baker County Health Department is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the federal program that helps low-income women and children up to age 5 buy food, including formula for babies.

The program is known as WIC — for Women, Infants and Children.

The federal government gives grants to states to distribute to women who are pregnant or who have children 5 or younger to help them buy nutritious food.

The health department will celebrate the anniversary with a walk-in clinic on April 22 for families who are either enrolled in WIC or who would like to learn more about the program.

The clinic will run from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the health department, 2200 Fourth St. in Baker City.

The department will also offer a free cookbook while supplies last.

“We are happy to bring our families quality nutrition education, healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals in a more modern way that fits our family’s busy lives,” said Mandy Peterson, a registered dietitian at the health department who helps coordinate the local WIC program along with Anna Clark. “WIC helps improve the health of mothers and supports a healthy start for infants and children through nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and health screenings and referrals.”

The current version of the program includes options for participants to have remote appointments and to get information via text message.

The program is similar to the federal food stamp program, now known as SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Peterson said Baker County will also be participating again in the Farm Direct Dollars program, which is part of WIC, starting in June.

“Our Farm Direct Dollars are an extra benefit that qualifying WIC participants get once per year,” Peterson said. “Each qualifying family member, including participating family members that are over four months old, can qualify for $28 Farm Direct Dollars.”

Participants can use the money to buy fresh produce and other foods at local farm stands, including the Baker City Farmers Market.

“This increases the fruit and vegetable access in the home and supports our local farms,” Peterson said.

According to 2022 data, 443 women, infants and children in Baker County were enrolled in WIC, including 37% of pregnant women. Participants included 262 families, 75% of which have members who work.

The program distributed $207,000 that year.