The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services’ WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program was recently recognized at the 2026 NC WIC Conference in Raleigh with two prestigious awards, one for the Highest Initial Issuance of any Breastfeeding Food Package at 99 percent; and a second award for the Highest Continued Issuance of any Breastfeeding Food Package at 58 percent. 

“These awards are a reflection of the dedication of the women in our community,” said Dare WIC Director Rylee Simonsen, noting that most women have the desire to provide their infants with maternal milk. “Breastfeeding support is a team effort - the more people who are a part of that team within our community, the more success is possible.” 

Simonsen added, “Our staff have the privilege of supporting these mothers with their feeding goals, and we are dedicated to pursuing that alongside our community partners who are also doing this important work.” 

These recognitions highlight the fact that 99 percent of mothers and infants in Dare County’s WIC program start out breastfeeding, and 58 percent of them continue with it during their certification period - marking the highest percentages among WIC programs in the state. 

“We are so proud of the hard work and dedication of our WIC team members in supporting mothers, infants and children in our community. They truly make a difference,” said Health & Human Services Director, Dr. Sheila Davies. 

Dare County’s WIC Program provides nutrition education and counseling on a variety of topics for mothers, infants and children as well as food packages to promote health and nutrition among these populations. In addition, WIC also provides participants with referrals to other health and community resources, information and education on the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect when breastfeeding.

WIC has three offices in Dare County. The main office is located at 109 Exeter Street, Manteo, NC 27954. Satellite offices are also at 2601 N. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 and 50347 NC Hwy 12, Frisco, NC. 27936.

For more information on WIC, please contact 252.475.5068. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Please click here to view our WIC nondiscrimination statement. For WIC eligibility criteria, please click here.

Dare County WIC team members Norma Miranda, Elizabeth Dixon and Rylee Simonsen