While the state of California is under shelter-in-place emergency orders, shopping for WIC-approved foods remains quick and easy for participants. The WIC Card, paired with the WIC app, makes it easier for families to shop without the hassle of vouchers or paper checks.
“WIC has helped my family put food on the table,” said Kyah Shepard, WIC participant. “Having a baby right now and trying to figure out how to get his food has been stressful. Fresno EOC WIC helped with all my questions, they provided great resources on their website, and the WIC card makes it a lot easier to shop.”
Staff help participants set up their WIC Card and create a unique pin to keep their benefits secure. The card is similar to a debit card, making shopping easier and comes at the perfect time as stores and customers alike try their best to limit the exchange of items during transactions.
“Using the card is fast,” said Shepard. “It’s just one swipe and it makes it so much easier. You can see the balance on your receipt. Then you can go on the app, click on any food item, and see your benefits.”
At the store, Shepard uses her WIC app to scan items and plan for future shopping trips. Eggs, tortillas, cereal, and lactose-free milk are some of her favorite WIC approved foods. She uses WIC food guides along with guidance from WIC dietitians to determine what type of foods to purchase and when to introduce them to her baby.
“Lactose-free milk can be really expensive, and not everyone can afford it, but my family needs it,” Shepard said. “I think WIC has honestly helped me throughout the shelter-in-place orders because having WIC gives me that reinforcement, knowing that I have resources there to help me.”
WIC offers participants easy ways to shop and get the resources they need during this stressful time. California has expanded WIC approved food list to help when participants are unable to find specific items or if stores are out of stock of regular WIC items. If a participant is unsure if a food is approved, they can scan the food item in the WIC app. Learn more about Fresno EOC WIC and how they are supporting the community during COVID-19. Staff are available remotely to issue benefits, offer video breastfeeding support, information, and take new enrollments.
Interested in Fresno EOC WIC? Get information, updates, or ask questions by texting ‘FresnoEOCWIC’ to 45778. You can also email us at wicexpress@fresnoeoc.org or call us at (559) 263-1150.