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The State of Ohio has implemented the WIC electronic benefit transfer (EBT) for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program). EBT uses a chip or smart card, similar to a credit card, that participants use in the check-out lane at the local store to redeem food benefits. EBT provides a safer, easier and more efficient grocery experience and provides greater flexibility in the way WIC participants can shop. WIC participants no longer have to use paper coupons. WIC was established as a permanent program in 1974 to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. This mission is carried out by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health and other social services. The foods provided through the WIC Program are designed to supplement participants' diets with specific nutrients. WIC authorized foods include infant cereal, baby foods, iron-fortified adult cereal, fruits and vegetables, vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, soy-based beverages, tofu, peanut butter, dried and canned beans/peas, canned fish, whole wheat bread and other whole-grain options (not all authorized foods are available to all participants). For infants of women who do not fully breastfeed, WIC provides iron-fortified infant formula. Special infant formulas and medical foods may also be provided if medically indicated. WIC benefits are not limited only to food. Participants have access to a number of resources, including health screening, nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, immunization screening and referral, substance abuse referral, and more. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet certain requirements are eligible. These requirements include income eligibility and state residency. Additionally, the applicant must have certain nutritional or health risks as determined by a health professional. Two major types of nutrition risk are recognized for WIC eligibility: medically-based risks such as anemia, underweight, history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes; and dietary risks, such as inappropriate nutrition/feeding practices or failure to meet the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Women, infants, and children at nutrition risk have much greater risk of experiencing health problems Even though breast milk is the most nutritious and complete source of food for infants, nationally less than 30% of infants are breastfed at 1 year of age. A major goal of the WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants; therefore, WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their infants, unless medically contraindicated. Pregnant women and new WIC mothers are provided breastfeeding educational materials and support through counseling and guidance. WIC Facts  If you participate in another assistance program you may be automatically income-eligible for WIC. Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers. WIC participants support the local economy through their purchases.If you are interested in applying for WIC, contact Washington-Morgan Community Action WIC at 740-374-8501 or in Morgan County call 740-962-5266. You will be advised on what to bring to your appointment to determine eligibility. To see what food benefits you can receive visit: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ Local stores accepting the WIC smart card are listed below: Washington County Barlow: White Oak Pharmacy Belpre: Kroger; Save- A-Lot Beverly: Sponey's IGA Marietta: Giant Eagle, Kroger; Wal-Mart; Food 4 Less; Warren's Plaza IGA Newport: Newport IGA Morgan County Stockport: EZ Stop McConnelsville: Kroger; Sav-A-Lot |
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Washington-Morgan Community Action Washington and Morgan Counties, Ohio |
218 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750 (740) 373-374550 W. Third Street, PO Box 398, Malta, OH 43758 (740) 962-3827 |