The US Department of Agriculture is extending “flexibilities” to ensure participants in the Women, Infants and Children program can get the food and health support they need as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The USDA says the extended waivers let participants be approved for WIC benefits without being physically present in local offices. This also allows for remote issuance of benefits for any participant and flexibility in food package requirements, including dairy, grains, vegetables and infant foods. Additional options for food package pickup are also extended.
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says prior protections would have expired at the end of this month if no action had been taken. USDA has not said when these new extensions will expire.
WIC offers supplemental foods for low-income pregnant or breastfeeding women and their children under age five. It also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support and promotion and healthcare referrals.
Flint Hills Community Health Center handles Lyon County’s WIC program. Information is available by calling 342-4864.
