DHEC provides WIC participants access to increased food choices during pandemic
In response to demand for nutritious foods during the COVID-19 pandemic, DHEC is providing additional food items to South Carolina WIC participants.
“Currently there is no disruption to the food-distribution supply chain; however, some participants have experienced food item shortages due to people purchasing more food items than normal,” said South Carolina WIC Director Berry Kelly. “By expanding food options on WIC approved items, our WIC families will have more flexibility and increased access to nutritious foods.”
Until further notice, participants will have more purchasing options for milk, yogurt, fruits and vegetables.
The following changes will go into effect:
Participants can purchase 1 percent milk, non-fat milk, 2 percent milk, lactose-free 2 percent milk, lactose-free 1 percent milk, lactose-free non-fat milk or soymilk.
Participants can purchase any fat content of yogurt (Whole, Low-fat, or Non-fat).
Participants who choose to receive Cash Value Benefits (CVB) instead of infant baby foods can purchase fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.
This latest expansion is another way that DHEC is helping South Carolina’s WIC participants stay well during the pandemic. In March, WIC expanded food items that participants could purchase at stores where supplies were running low and began offering 100 percent of WIC nutritional services over-the-phone in early April.
“Year-round, our WIC program is focused on helping pregnant women, infants and children eat healthy, nutritious meals,” said Kelly. “Unique circumstances, like COVID-19 have challenged us to find new and creative ways to continue providing services and nutritious foods to our state’s WIC participants.”
These changes were made possible by programmatic waivers issued by the United States Department of Agriculture in response to COVID-19 and product shortages.
DHEC encourages South Carolina families who are experiencing loss of income related to COVID-19 to apply to the WIC program.
Since March, more than 4,000 new participants have enrolled in South Carolina’s WIC program. To apply for WIC, call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment. If you are a WIC participant and have questions or concerns, contact your local WIC office.
