Washington WIC available to pregnant women, new moms, and young children

OLYMPIA—During this challenging time, Washington Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) is here for vulnerable families. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC gives families access to nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, health assessments and referrals. WIC is for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, infants, and children under five. These services help diverse communities address their health needs during and after pregnancy and in early childhood.

“WIC has been identified as an essential service. We are committed to supporting families,” said Paul Throne, Washington WIC Director. “WIC agencies across the state are providing services by phone or online to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. We want to protect both WIC participants and clinic staff.”

Given recent employment changes and layoffs, people may be seeking WIC services for the first time or returning to services. WIC has the capacity to serve additional people.

People seeking WIC services do not need to visit a WIC clinic. WIC services are available by phone or video chat even when physical buildings are closed. To find WIC services in your area:

• Call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588

• Text “WIC” to 96859

• Visit ParentHelp123’s Resource Finder here: http://www.parenthelp123.org

Washington WIC has recently added many nutritious food options to help ensure WIC participants can find foods when shopping. WIC clinics can answer questions about these foods. Download the WIC Shopper app to your smart phone or device for more information. Find it here: https://tinyurl.com/y86jldfb

In this uncertain time, information changes rapidly. WIC staff are the best source of information and can answer questions about WIC.The DOH website  at http://www.doh.wa.gov is your source for a healthy dose of information.