Overview
According to the County Health Rankings report data used from 2016-2022, there are 14 teen births per 1,000 females ages 15-19 in Hudson County. Young parents may experience inequities in support and social disadvantage. In addition, they may encounter barriers in furthering their education and employment options as well as finding quality affordable child care.
As of 2024, in Hudson County, New Jersey, 18% of children under age 18 live in poverty. Race and wealth are two main factors when it comes to breaking down who is the most affected by living conditions and how their families’ health plays out in the city they live in. The APA posits that low-income families, people of color, children with other disabilities, or health concerns are the most vulnerable when it comes to getting services that would identify, prevent, or treat mental health problems.
Children living in low-income households may have an increased health risk for developing disease, and more frequent chronic conditions or complications, such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, and anxiety.
New Jersey is noted to be 10 among the 50 States with obesity at 13.8% of youth ages 10 to 17. Where children ages 2-4 participating in WIC are 15 with a 5.4% obesity Rate. With family helping programs like WIC, there are chances for families to live a better life after applying and being accepted into the program.
According to the NJ Dept. of Health & Senior Services FFY 2024 first quarter distribution of WIC estimated eligible Constituents Report there are 11,759 estimated eligible clients for the Jersey City WIC Program. With these eligibility offerings for residents, there will be fewer cases of poverty for families in need.
On average, approximately 5.1% of infants (6-11 months) are exclusively breastfed. According to NJDHSS April 12, 2014, Nutritional Risk Factors at Certification by Status Report, 2.0% of Children were Obese.
Action Steps & Success Indicators by 2028
Action Step 1
JC WIC will continue to monitor and conduct a follow-up on individuals who missed appointments, recertification, or benefits issuance for efficient caseload management.
Success indicator
JC WIC enrollment will be assessed by NJDHHS. Distribution of WIC estimated eligible constituents.
Action Step 2
The JC WIC program will continue to provide families with multilingual nutrition education.
Success indicator
Families will have access to multilingual nutrition education and support.
Action Step 3
JC WIC strives to prevent childhood obesity. Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation of nutrition programs, we conduct surveys upon certification & recertification of WIC children to assess & determine needs and goals to combat childhood obesity.
Success indicator
Childhood obesity will decrease due to strong nutrition programming and greater healthy food access.
Action Step 4
JC WIC – will continue to provide support for expecting and breastfeeding moms, and provide family support, education, and eliminate systemic barriers to breastfeeding.
Success indicator
FREE, incentives such as bibs, baby blankets, and other materials will be provided to moms while breastfeeding as well as provide family support to increase breastfeeding.