Kansas to issue WIC food assistance remotely, loosening requirements due to COVID-19
Kansas WIC participants and new applicants will be able to receive benefits without having to be physically present, the Kansas Department of Department of Health and Environment announced Tuesday.
The agency has waived the requirement to be physically present to receive services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The waiver is in effect until May 31, unless it is extended.
New applicants will be assessed, certified and issued benefits by local clinic staff using telephone, computer and other technologies. Staff will be able to issue food benefits remotely to those determined to be eligible for the program.
The program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant women, infants and children from birth to age five.
The waiver applies to areas impacted by WIC clinic closures and stay at home orders, as well as people who are under quarantine.
Clinic operating hours and staff availability will be subject to local and state orders related to the pandemic. Applicants and current participants should contact their local WIC clinic to find out what options are available.
Clinic locations are available online at kansaswic.org.
Those who do not have access to the internet should contact their local health department for information on the nearest WIC clinic.
The Kansas WIC program, which has 120 WIC clinics, provides services to an average of 47,000 program participants each month.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 2:35 PM.
