Current and new WIC participants will receive extra fruit and vegetable benefits through March 2022

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, December 01, 2021

Washington County Women, Infants & Children (WIC) encourages all eligible families to sign up for WIC to receive nutrition assistance including electronic monthly benefits that can be used to purchase healthy food. Now through March 2022, participants will continue to get a temporary increase in their monthly fruit and vegetable benefit. Because of the American Rescue Plan Act, WIC received funds to improve access to fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables.

“If you’re not enrolled in WIC, now is the time to apply to redeem these additional benefits while they last,” WIC Supervisor Tara Olson said.

The standard monthly amounts for the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit are $9 per child and $11 per adult. The amounts have temporarily increased to:

• $24 for each child over 13 months of age

• $43 for pregnant and non-breastfeeding participants

• $47 for breastfeeding participants

WIC provides no-cost nutrition and breastfeeding services to women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby and to infants and children until their fifth birthday who have a nutritional need or risk factor. WIC recognizes the important role that fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers and other guardians play in caring for kids. Fathers and other caregivers of kids under five are encouraged to enroll their children.

To qualify, families must have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit. Individuals who are fully eligible for Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan, TANF, SNAP/food stamps or FDPIR are automatically income-eligible for WIC. More details on eligibility guidelines can be found on the state's website.

“We know it can be confusing to figure out if you’re eligible for WIC,” Olson said. “People often think they don’t qualify, but the truth is that a lot of working families are eligible for our services. If you aren’t sure, please contact us to discuss your situation.”

Due to the pandemic, WIC appointments are currently conducted over the phone with limited onsite services available at the Beaverton, Hillsboro and Tigard WIC offices upon request.

To reach Washington County WIC, email [email protected], text WCWIC to 61222, or call 503-846-3555. Families outside of Washington County can find the phone number for other WIC programs by calling 211. To learn more, visit www.WashingtonCountyWIC.com.

WIC is an equal opportunity provider.

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