Last Updated: 4/22/2020

DC WIC COVID-19 RESPONSE

 

DC WIC and USDA are working quickly to ensure both new and current WIC families are able to receive their WIC benefits and all program services during the COVID-19 emergency. DC WIC sites are providing all services over the phone, including certifications, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. 

 

​If you think you may be eligible for WIC:

• Contact your local WIC site for more information: dcwic.org/locations

• You can use USDA’s prescreening application tool to check your eligibility status. 

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​DC WIC has temporarily expanded its food list.

• Effective April 1, 2020: DC WIC has temporarily expanded its approved food list during the COVID-19 emergency in response to food shortages at grocery stores.​

• Participants should use the expanded food list along with the food list in their WIC ID folder when shopping for food at the store. 

• Print-friendly PDF of Expanded Food List (English)

• Print-friendly PDF of Expanded Food List (Spanish)

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DC WIC is making sure participants receive their benefits.

• WIC Sites are mailing WIC checks to participants so they can stay at home!

• New and current participants should call their local WIC site with any questions.

• Click here for contact info: dcwic.org/wic-locations
   

Special Formula Ordering 

• If you are having trouble finding your WIC-issued formula at the store, please speak to the store manager to see when shipments are scheduled. Some stores are able to put items (such as formula) on hold for customers.

• Participants with checks for special formulas may order these formulas at any authorized Pharmacy location.  These pharmacies have 48 hours to obtain your special formula.
   

Best Practices for Preventing Illness

• DC WIC cares about our WIC participants and their health.  Follow these best practices for preventing illness and the spread of the virus:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/prevent.html

  • https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

  • After any contact at a WIC service site and/or handling of WIC checks, participants should immediately wash their hands.

  • After applicants/participants leave the office, WIC staff are directed to clean countertops, chairs, etc. prior to calling the next person up their workstation.​

• Guidance for Pregnant Women During COVID-19

• COVID-19 Testing in the District

Additional Resources for DC WIC Participants

 

Resources in multiple languages are being developed and can be found from New York Dept. of Health, the CDC and Los Angeles Dept of Health. Click ‘view’ under each of the categories and you’ll see a drop down of options for available languages.​

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• Where to Find Food in DC During the COVID-19 Emergency

• Public Assistance Programs

  • Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - previously known as Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), ​or Medicaid / Medicare

  • Apply for Unemployment Benefits 

• Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Guidance

  • DC Lactation Support during COVID-19

  • The CDC has information posted, and this very specific guidance.

  • Guidance from American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

  • A new Kaiser Family Foundation brief examines how COVID-19 may impact pregnant women.

• Public Charge and COVID-19

  • The “public charge” test has been suspended with regards to care and benefits used as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. See USCIS Statement here.

• Life at Home - Resources from DC Government for making the best of life at home

• Kids and School Resources

  • If your income has been affected by COVID-19 and you’re afraid you won’t be able to continue to pay for internet service, or you didn’t previously have home internet service but your kids will need it to access school resources from home, contact Comcast for help figuring out a plan for your family.

  • You can find a number of online resources at pbskids.org/learn to help support your child’s learning during these school closures.

  • Authors & illustrators are sharing amazing learning-at-home resources. This collection includes picture book read-alouds, writing lessons, drawing lessons, first-chapter read-alouds, & research links – all free & copyright friendly!

  • 12 museums around the world offer virtual tours so that your kid can go check them out without ever leaving the house.

  • Outschool is making $100,000 worth of online classes available for free to the affected families.

  • Curriculum Associates is providing free, printable activity packs by grade level, as well as other resources, for children out of school.

  • Scholastic has provided projects for grade school students to keep learning and growing during school closures.

  • Over 30 virtual field trips, to zoos, museums, national parks, and Mars!

  • Daily Art Lessons! Mo Willems (author of such books as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the bus) as well as author and artist Jarett J. Krosoczka are doing fun daily drawing lessons for kids out of school.