Advisory Committee

Breastfeeding Advisory Committee

The Breastfeeding Advisory Committee will work to increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding among mothers and provide a statewide organizational vehicle for communication, collaboration, and coordination of breastfeeding services in the Commonwealth. The goals of the Breastfeeding Advisory Committee will be to assemble influential Virginians who can make a difference in increasing Virginia's breastfeeding rates, reveal current data, make breastfeeding a priority within the Commonwealth, and establish a foundation from which an organized and concerted State Plan on breastfeeding can be launched.

Infant Formula Advisory Committee

The Infant Formula Advisory Committee guided the implementation and education efforts associated with the new Ross formula contract which began July 1, 2006. In addition, the committee grew to include members from a separate metabolic formula group. The committee as a whole worked to develop formula and medical food protocols for Virginia's Newborn Screening Program. Each spring, the committee will participate in the annual review of new formula products being considered for the Virginia WIC Program. The committee will also be involved in future formula contract changes.

Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA) Advisory Committee

In order to be successful in the implementation of VENA, the need has been established for input and guidance from a variety of disciplines within the Commonwealth. The VENA Advisory Committee will assist in development of an implementation plan, the design of the staff education and other components of plan implementation. VENA represents a major shift in the philosophy and culture of WIC.