Department:
Health and Human Services Agency

Date:
12/10/2020
Contact:
WIC Program

Phone:
(530) 621-6176

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EL DORADO COUNTY FAMILIES GROW HEALTHY WITH WIC


(Placerville, CA) - Finding nutritious food on a limited budget can be a challenge. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a federally funded nutrition program that serves pregnant women, women who have recently been pregnant, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, benefits for a variety of nutritious foods, and referrals to medical providers and community services.

"WIC helps eligible families lead a healthy and active lifestyle," said Ellen Deutsche, supervisor of the WIC Program in El Dorado County. "Food benefits are now on the California WIC Card, an EBT card that makes shopping easier -- No more paper checks!"

WIC services are provided at no cost to recipients. Individuals or families may qualify for WIC if they:

  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding a baby up to 1 year old, or had a baby in the past six months; or
  • Are the primary caretakers of a child under the age of 5; and
  • Have a low to medium income and/or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (Food Stamps) benefits; and
  • Live in California

Newly pregnant women, migrant workers, and working families are encouraged to apply. Pregnant women may apply as soon as they know they're pregnant. Moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents, other caregivers, and guardians may apply on behalf of the children they're raising. Many working families and families with private health insurance are surprised to learn they qualify for WIC. To determine if they meet WIC income guidelines, individuals may visit www.wicworks.ca.gov or the California WIC Mobile Website at m.wic.ca.gov 

The WIC Program serves residents throughout El Dorado County. "WIC staff are providing remote appointments for families while physically distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Benefits can be added remotely to the WIC Card," said Deutsche. "We encourage anyone interested in the WIC Program to call us today to see if they qualify."

To reach WIC staff, call (530) 621-6176 on the West Slope of El Dorado County or (530) 573-3491 in the Tahoe Basin. WIC offices are located at 931 Spring Street in Placerville and 1360 Johnson Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe. WIC is an equal opportunity provider. 

WIC is a program of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). For more information about WIC, please visit www.wicworks.ca.gov. For information about El Dorado County HHSA's many programs and services, visit www.edcgov.us/hhsa.

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