WIC Adapts to Keep Services Going for Wyoming Families

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Wyoming Department of Health is reminding residents about the continuing benefits that are available for many families through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children program. WIC is a joint federal and state government program under the USDA that provides nutritious foods and education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals for income-eligible women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants and children upt the age of five. All caregivers can receive assistance from the program, including dads, foster parents, guardians, grandparents and step-parents.

Wyoming Department of Health WIC Program Manager Melissa Stehwien said all of the program’s locations in Wyoming are currently issuing benefits to new and existing participants and have made accommodations to follow social distancing guidelines and public health orders. She added that they are providing curbside benefits as the majority of their locations, which keeps visits to 5 to 10 minutes, and that screenings are being done over the phone prior to the visit.

Wyoming WIC serves people with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Families using SNAP, TANF, or Wyoming Medicaid benefits also qualify for WIC.