HANNIBAL (WGEM) – Missourians participating in the Women, Infants and Children Program now have easier access to nutritious food they need.
WIC is an income-based supplemental food program aiming to reduce hunger in the Show-Me State. Those who qualify for SNAP, TANF or Medicaid through the state also qualify for WIC.
Previously, WIC used chip cards for people to use benefits on — but they had to be loaded up at specific stations through a chip reader. The new cards, which can be requested from your WIC supplier, have magnetic strips; and benefits are loaded on remotely. That means no more trips into town to get the benefits on your card.
It streamlines the process.
“It’s saving transportation for families who might not have that. They don’t have to come here every time they need something switched or to update their card now,” Misty Sutton said. She is WIC certifier with the Marion County Health Department.
Participating WIC stores in Hannibal are County Market, Save A Lot and Walmart.
Another official with the health department said the need for food assistance is high. The new WIC cards make it more accessible and continue efforts by the program to help people.
“[There is] huge demand, you know, with grocery prices going up,” WIC Coordinator Crystal McWilliams said. “Something really big that WIC has done is really increase the cash value amount that individuals can get for fresh fruit and vegetables. So, that’s been a very big assistance.”
The card works with the WICShopper mobile app. There, you can view your card number and benefits. As benefits are used, they disappear — much like your card balance in a banking app.
WICShopper also features a barcode scanner to help Missourians scan WIC-eligible items in stores, store locators and viewable appointments.
The new WIC card is free of cost for participants. Marion County residents are encouraged to call the health department to find out their eligibility and sign up for the program if interested.
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