Nevada County’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) families will continue to receive increased support for purchasing fruits and veggies. We are pleased that this temporary increase was recently extended through March 2022; breastfeeding women now receive $47/month, pregnant and postpartum women receive $43/month, and children 1- 5 years receive $24/month.
The increased fruits and vegetables benefit has a significant impact on the dietary quality of WIC families. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the prevalence of chronic disease and strengthens the immune system. This increased benefit will allow families enrolled in the WIC program to buy and consume more healthy fruits and vegetables. Benefits are good for 30 days from the date they are issued. For example, benefits issued on November 27 can still be used through December 26.
Sometimes it can be difficult to obtain healthy foods on a limited budget. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a federal nutrition program for women and children under age 5. “WIC is a wonderful supplemental food and health education program for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and families with young children,” said Debra Wilson, Sr. Nutritionist/WIC Coordinator at Nevada County Public Health WIC. “The program also serves young children cared for by single fathers, grandparents, foster parents, step-parents and guardians who meet program guidelines.”
WIC provides nutrition education and health information, breastfeeding support, food benefits for healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables), and referrals to medical providers and community services. There is no charge to receive WIC services. Individuals or families may qualify for WIC services if they:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or had a baby in the past six months; o
- Are the primary caretakers of a child under the age 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 individuals may apply as soon as they know they are pregnant. To determine if they meet WIC income guidelines, individuals may call either office or visit online, MyFamily.wic.ca.gov and/or mynevadacounty.com/WIC
The Nevada County Public Health WIC Program has two permanent office locations in Grass Valley and Truckee. Convenient and safe appointments are scheduled either by phone or video, in compliance with COVID safety guidelines. We encourage anyone who is interested in the WIC Program to call us today to see if they qualify and to make an appointment.” WIC staff may be reached at (530)-265-1454 or (530)-582-7817. Our main Grass Valley WIC office is located at the Brighton Green Family Resource Center at 988 McCourtney Rd. For more information about WIC, visit mynevadacounty.com/WIC or MyFamily.wic.ca.gov.
WIC is an equal opportunity provider.
