#USA #Bronx #Montefiore #WIC Program

Montefiore Celebrates New WIC Center Opening in the Bronx

On October 7, 2025, Montefiore Health System proudly opened its fourth Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program center in the Bronx, marking a significant milestone in the provision of nutritional education and resources for mothers and infants in the community. Funded by a generous $3.9 million allocation from the State of New York, this new center aims to serve over 13,000 families, offering essential services such as nutritional education, breastfeeding support, and community resource connections.

Carmen Nauta, PhD, IBCLC, RLC, the WIC Program Coordinator at Montefiore Medical Group, highlighted the growing demand for nutritional services, stating, "Every year, the need for nutritional education and strong links to social support networks increases. We are grateful for New York's investment to assist families facing food insecurity. This funding enables our qualified nutritionists and lactation consultants to provide personalized guidance for parents on how to nourish their children while taking care of their own needs."

The WIC program, initially established in the 1970s, was designed to address the nutritional needs of women, infants, and children up to five years old. Today, the New York WIC program supports 425,000 women, infants, and children monthly, continually evolving to enhance accessibility. Improvements include extended service hours, remote services, and support through the virtual assistant "Ask Wanda," which are available in Spanish as well.

Moreover, Montefiore's WIC program collaborates closely with the Bravo Food Pantry Project to combat food insecurity among at-risk populations. This initiative underscores Montefiore’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of families in the Bronx by connecting them to vital resources, educational materials, and community programs.

Tasnima, a 27-year-old Bronx resident and mother of two, has been part of the Montefiore WIC program for nearly three years. The benefits she received motivated her to become a peer advisor to help other first-time mothers. "It is crucial for mothers to have support and a place to discuss the challenges that come with parenting," she shared. "Our program serves as a powerful tool that keeps us connected and helps families access resources that they might not otherwise find."

Participation in the WIC program has been correlated with healthier births, improved birth weight, reduced infant mortality rates, and greater access to primary and preventive healthcare. Through the efforts of Montefiore’s WIC program, many first-time mothers have established connections with lactation consultants, gaining valuable knowledge about breastfeeding benefits. They can also participate in virtual workshops on topics ranging from childbirth and hospital stays to sleep habits and car safety, ensuring they acquire skills to foster positive relationships after delivery.

The inauguration of this fourth WIC center exemplifies Montefiore’s dedication to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies throughout the Bronx. The Montefiore Health System stands out as one of New York's principal academic health networks, responsible for providing exceptional, personalized medical care to approximately three million residents in the Bronx, Westchester, and Hudson Valley regions. With ten hospitals and an extensive network of outpatient care centers, Montefiore is committed to elevating healthcare standards and enhancing the health of our communities.

For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org or follow Montefiore on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.