Montefiore Health System expands WIC Program to Serve Thousands More Families in the Bronx

The Bronx, New York – October 7, 2025 – Montefiore Health System announced today the opening of its fourth bronx-based Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program location. This expansion, fueled by a $3.9 million investment from New York State, will significantly increase access to vital nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and community resources for over 13,000 families throughout the borough.

Addressing Growing Needs in the Bronx

The new WIC location joins three existing sites, all operated in partnership with Montefiore Medical Group.This collaborative effort aims to combat rising food insecurity and promote the health and well-being of pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

“The demand for extensive nutrition services and robust social support continues to grow annually,” stated Carmen Nauta, phd, IBCLC, RLC, WIC Coordinator at montefiore Medical Group. “We are deeply thankful for New York State’s commitment to assisting families facing food insecurity. this funding empowers our skilled nutritionists and lactation counselors to deliver personalized guidance, helping parents nourish their children and prioritize their own health.”

A Legacy of Support: The WIC Program

Established in the 1970s, the federal WIC program has long been a cornerstone of support for women, infants, and children under five. The New York State WIC Program currently serves approximately 425,000 individuals each month, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of families.

Recent enhancements include extended service hours, remote consultation options, and the innovative “Ask Wanda” virtual assistant, increasing program accessibility. Montefiore’s WIC program goes further,connecting families to vital resources like the Project Bravo Food Pantry and collaborating with local community organizations to deliver educational workshops at health fairs,libraries,and shelters.

Peer Support and Community Impact

Tasnima, a 27-year-old Bronx mother of two, exemplifies the program’s impact. After benefitting from Montefiore’s WIC services for nearly three years, she became a peer counselor, extending support to other new mothers. “It’s incredibly important for moms to have a supportive community where they can discuss challenges and find solutions,” Tasnima explained. “Our program provides a powerful network where we can check in on each other and connect families with resources they might not or else find.”

Proven Health Benefits of WIC Participation

Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of WIC participation. Studies have linked the program to healthier pregnancies, improved birth weights, reduced infant mortality rates, and increased access to essential healthcare. The Montefiore WIC program provides crucial access to lactation consultants, virtual workshops on childbirth readiness, infant sleep safety, and building strong family relationships.

Did you know? According to data from the USDA, participants in the WIC program have significantly lower rates of preterm birth and low birth weight babies compared to non-participants.

Montefiore’s Commitment to Community Health

The opening of the fourth WIC location underscores Montefiore Health System’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies across the Bronx. As one of New York’s leading academic health systems, Montefiore serves approximately three million people in the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. The system comprises 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, and over 200 outpatient care sites.