WIC expands eligible food items

South Carolina WIC participants now have more food items available to them.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control expanded, until further notice, varieties of milk, yogurt, fruit and vegetables that can be purchased in response to demand for nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, WIC participants can buy 1% milk, non-fat milk, 2% milk, lactose-free 2% milk, lactose-free 1% milk, lactose-free non-fat milk and soymilk; any fat content of yogurt (whole, low-fat or non-fat); and, for those who choose to receive Cash Value Benefits instead of infant baby foods, they can buy fresh, frozen or canned fruit and vegetables.

"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," state WIC Director Berry Kelly said. "By expanding food options on WIC-approved items, our WIC families will have more flexibility and increased access to nutritious foods."

This is the latest in a series of changes DHEC has made to help WIC participants during the pandemic and was made possible by programmatic waivers issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to the pandemic and product shortages.

DHEC and other public health officials have been saying, and data proving, that people with underlying health conditions are more likely to develop severe complications from the new coronavirus, a highly contagious respiratory illness. A balanced and healthy diet is a first step in helping to prevent such conditions from developing and to living a healthy life daily.

In March, WIC expanded food items for a first time that participants could purchase at stores while supplies were running low and began offering 100% of WIC nutritional services over the phone in April to help people be able to stay home.

"Year 'round, our WIC program is focused on helping pregnant women, infants and children eat healthy, nutritious meals," Kelly said. "Unique circumstances like COVID-19 have challenged us to find new and creative ways to continuing providing services and nutritious foods to our state's WIC participants."

Families who are experiencing loss of income related to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply to the WIC program. Since March, more than 4,000 new participants have enrolled statewide.

To apply, 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.