Pottawattamie County WIC Program Receives USDA Breastfeeding Award of Excellence

Posted September 4, 2025
Posted by Public Health and Public Relations

Council Bluffs, Iowa – The Pottawattamie County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program has recently been awarded the USDA Breastfeeding Award of Excellence – Premiere Award for the second time. 

Presented by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence Program recognizes local WIC agencies with peer counseling programs that demonstrate outstanding support for breastfeeding families. The award aims to highlight high-performing agencies and inspire others to strengthen their breastfeeding efforts—ultimately increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among WIC participants. 

The award is presented at three levels, Gold, Premiere, and Elite, across seven U.S. regions. In 2025, a total of 35 awards were presented in the Midwest Region, including 15 at the Premiere level. Pottawattamie County WIC was the only Iowa agency to receive the Premiere-level distinction. 

“Earning a Premiere-level award is a true honor,” said Kris Wood, WIC Program Administrator. “Receiving it for the second time is a testament to our team’s continued commitment to supporting families through high-quality breastfeeding practices.” 

The Pottawattamie County WIC team includes dietitians, nutrition educators, breastfeeding peer counselors, and support staff. The program serves about 2,800 families each month across six counties in southwest Iowa, providing nutritious foods, health education, and personalized support. The Breastfeeding Peer Counselors serve approximately 200 pregnant and breastfeeding women monthly. 

To learn more about the Pottawattamie County WIC Program, visit: https://www.pottcounty-ia.gov/public_health/wic/