The NYS Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, health education, health care referrals, referrals to other services, and nutritious foods to approximately 425,000 women, infants and children each month through 91 local providers (hospitals, local health departments and community based organizations) at 400 service sites. The fundamental purpose of the program is to ensure the health and well-being of income eligible families with young children. WIC provides individually tailored food prescriptions issued to each participant for specific types and brands of foods that meet strict nutrition requirements. These food benefits, valued at nearly $400 million annually, can be redeemed at approximately 3,000 authorized retail food vendors across the state.