The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children known as WIC will continue to operate after July 1, 2015 even if the state government shuts down. This is due to the critical nature of WIC services and because WIC is federally funded. If the Washington State government shuts down July 1, 2015:
- Clients can use their WIC checks at contracted stores.
- Local WIC clinics will be open to provide WIC services.
- The State WIC office will operate as usual.
- Authorized WIC vendors will still accept WIC checks and vendors will still receive payment.
CVCH WIC has openings for more clients. WIC is a place where families get healthy food and a lot more. WIC is for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under the age of 5. WIC made a difference for over 304,000 women, infants and children in Washington in 2014, and almost half of all babies in our state are on WIC
The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children provides specific nutritious foods, nutrition assessments and education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and health referrals to pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 whose family income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The State Department of Health contracts with tribes, local health departments and community health centers and other agencies to provide WIC Nutrition services in all Washington counties. The department also authorizes certain grocery stores to accept WIC checks to purchase WIC-approved healthy foods.
For questions about CVCH WIC, please call 509.664.3771.
Other Resources:
State WIC office: 1800-841-1410
Washington State WIC Nutrition Program web page
Family Health Hotline: 1-800-322-2588.