Abrahams Applauds Organization Dedicated to Providing Books to Children

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) applauded First Books, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. First Books will continue to provide an ongoing supply of new books in both English and Spanish to children participating in the Nassau County Department of Health Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

“Developing a love for reading early in life is one of the most important factors in a child’s education,” Abrahams said. “First Books makes sure that every child, no matter their situation, gets the opportunity to get lost in a story and enjoy the simple pleasures of reading a book.”

The WIC Program is a federally-funded supplemental nutrition and education program that provides vouchers for foods and infant formula to women, infants and children who qualify under the federal nutritional and financial need guidelines. Nassau WIC currently provides services to over 12,000 participants monthly at six WIC sites, located in community-based agencies, hospitals and health centers throughout the County. They include Elmont, Westbury, Freeport, Hempstead, Glen Cove and Nassau University Medical Center. 

Families with incomes up to 185% of poverty level are eligible to receive WIC benefits. For example, a pregnant woman, her husband and their one child is considered a family of four and is eligible for WIC if their gross weekly income is below $712. 

Despite its proven benefits, only half the eligible families actually apply for WIC. For more information, call the WIC program at (516) 571-3449 weekdays, or through the Web at http://www.co.nassau.ny.us/health/wic.html.