Big changes coming to WIC nutrition program

By MultiCare Health System

The Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Services program, commonly known as WIC, has introduced a WIC card to Washington state clients, replacing checks as a form of payment.

Many states around the country already use a WIC EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card.

The WIC card will be introduced slowly, region by region, throughout the state. Pierce County WIC offices, including Mary Bridge WIC, rolled out the change Monday, Sept. 16.

Clients will receive the same foods as before but have more flexibility in how they shop. One card will include foods for all WIC clients in the family and allow shoppers to buy just the items they want at the time. The receipt will print out a list of foods remaining in the account. There will be a “start date” and “end date” for food availability that remains the same month to month.

Last November, Washington WIC introduced the free WICShopper app, which can be used to scan bar codes at the grocery store to determine if a food is WIC approved. The WICShopper app also includes a digital version of the WIC Shopping Guide, a produce calculator to determine price by weight, a WIC store locator, recipes and more.

If you or someone you know may be eligible for WIC but didn’t want to use WIC checks, it may be time to give WIC another try. More information

Mary Bridge WIC Nutrition Services serves 11,740 clients monthly across 11 locations in Pierce County. Almost half of all babies in our state are on WIC. You are eligible for WIC if you meet the following criteria:

• Live in Washington state
• Are pregnant, a new mother or a child under five years of age
• Meet the income guidelines

If you meet these criteria and you need assistance, we can help. Find a location near you and apply by phone today.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Washington State WIC Nutrition Program doesn’t discriminate.