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Release No. FNS 0001-06

Contact: Susan Acker (703) 305-2286

USDA Proclaims WIC National Breastfeeding Week

WASHINGTON, August 1, 2006—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued a proclamation declaring the week of August 1-7 to be WIC National Breastfeeding Week.

“Breastfeeding provides optimal infant nutrition. In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, we honor breastfeeding mothers and recognize the dedication of WIC staff and community partners working to promote the benefits of breastfeeding,” said Kate Coler, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.

The proclamation issued today recognizes the efforts of breastfeeding mothers, fathers, families, health and medical professionals, and peer counselors as well as others who provide loving support, encouragement, and assistance to breastfeeding mothers.

“Families, friends, health care providers and others are vital to building a breastfeeding-friendly community,” Coler said. “WIC National Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity for us to recognize these efforts and encourage communities to support breastfeeding throughout the year.”

WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) is administered by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. WIC safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating and referrals to health care.

A major goal of the WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants. All mothers who are able are encouraged to breastfeed their infants. WIC has historically promoted breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice. The USDA National Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign, “Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work,” emphasizes that family, friends, the health care system and community are all important to a breastfeeding mother’s success.

Further information about WIC and WIC National Breastfeeding Week is available at www.fns.usda.gov

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