This amount, according to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday, will support retail grocery stores that participate in the WIC program and support local businesses that pay taxes and create jobs.
Fitial, who gave the remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new WIC Clinic on Navy Hill, said that by late next year, CNMI’s local farm economy will also be supported with the introduction of WIC’s new food package for fresh local fruits and vegetables.
He added that to date, WIC has enrolled 4,119 clients in the CNMI but about 4,550 are expected to benefit from the program annually.
Fitial said the WIC programs in the CNMI infuse substantial federal funds and create at least 19 new jobs in the community.
He said the Department of Public Health through the WIC program has secured over $6 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture since the implementation of WIC in Aug, 2007.
“Close to $400,000 of this funding in fiscal year 2008 was secured to fund the WIC clinic,” Fitial said.
The governor added that the new clinic will allow WIC clients to have better access to health resources for pregnant women, new mothers, young children and infants in the CNMI.
“This clinic will help maintain our commitment to facilitate a local community and a more productive workforce in the future,” Fitial said.
Secretary of Public Health Joseph Kevin Villagomez said the new clinic can fully support WIC with its state of the art facility.
