As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Wyoming Department of Health is reminding residents about the continuing, important benefits available for many families through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program.

WIC provides nutritious foods and education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals for income-eligible women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants and children up to age 5. All caregivers are welcome to receive help from the program including dads, foster parents, guardians, grandparents and step-parents.

All of the program’s Wyoming locations are currently issuing benefits to new and existing participants and have made accommodations to follow social distancing guidelines and public health orders, said Melissa Stehwien, WIC program manager with the Wyoming Department of Health.

“We are providing curbside benefits at the majority of our locations, which keeps visits to 5-10 minutes. Screenings are also being done over the phone prior to the visit,” Stehwien said.

The program temporarily postponed gathering certain measures such as height, weight and hemoglobin checks, she said.

“Our goal during COVID-19 is to reach and to continue serving as many participants as possible who need our service while doing so in ways that are safe for our participants and staff,” Stehwien added.

WIC is a joint federal and state government program under the USDA.

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. There is no limit to the number of eligible participants WIC can serve.

WIC clinics are located throughout the state and can be found by using the “Clinic Locator” online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/wic/ or by calling 1-888-996-9378 to be routed to a local clinic.