WIC for Community Partners
Information and resources for community partners regarding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Partnerships with Community Partners are critical to the success of the WIC Program. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition assistance program created to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC participants must have a nutritional risk to be eligible. WIC staff conduct a nutritional assessment and provide relevant nutrition and health education, referrals to health care and social service programs and prescribe food packages for nutritious foods to supplement participant diets.
We hope this Community Partners page helps you better understand the New Hampshire WIC Program and will improve coordination of referrals with our nutrition staff at the local WIC agency.
Please contact us if you would like an in-person training.
NH WIC: What WIC is & How to Apply
NH WIC: What WIC is & How to Apply - 2023
NH WIC: What WIC is & How to Apply - 2023
NH WIC: What WIC is & How to Apply - 2023
Transcript of video:
Welcome, the following recording is presented on behalf of the NH Department of Health and Human Services, division of public health services, bureau of family health and nutrition, nutrition services section. Content provided will be an overview of how WIC works, how WIC supports heathy communities, how to apply and resources available.
WIC is a Federal Nutrition Program which is part of the USDA Food and Nutrition Services Branch.
WIC’s mission is to assure healthy pregnancies, healthy birth outcomes and healthy growth and development for women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk, by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information and education on healthy eating, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care and critical social services.
WIC’s services and benefits ensure that children get a strong, healthy start in life. There’s clear evidence that good nutrition during pregnancy and in the first few years of life has long-term positive impacts on health.
WIC is our country’s most successful public health nutrition program. 6.2 million women, infants and children participate in the WIC program nationwide. WIC provides wholesome food, nutrition education and community support to income-eligible pregnant women, moms of infants and children up to 5 years old.
Categorically-eligible women, infants and children who participate in Medicaid, TANF or SNAP are automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Most Foster children are also on Medicaid and are automatically income-eligible as well.
Families that do not participant in Medicaid, TANF or SNAP, may still be INCOME eligible based their on family gross income. They will need to show 30 days of income proof/paystubs for income eligibility.
Families with active Medicaid, SNAP or TANF are adjunctively income eligible do not need to show 30 days of income proof/paystubs. To help the process, NH WIC has coordinated with Medicaid and SNAP to utilizes a data sharing system, families determined eligible for NH EASY are referred to NH WIC Program and WIC staff reach out to families.
The DHHS WIC website has the information to prepare families what to expect for their WIC appointment. Families can access WIC by calling the local agency directly to set up an appointment or physically go into the main office. Families also have an option to use the online application link which is available on the DHHS WIC website. It is determined when the appointment is set up if an interpreter is needed for the appointment. Some examples of services available if an interpreter is requested in the NH WIC local agencies, a telephone interpreter line, in-person interpreter, or American Sign Language interpreter.
Families then meet with WIC staff, who will:
Review and document income, identification and proof of NH residency.
Review Program Rules, Participant Rights and Responsibilities
Weigh and measure each family member applying and screen for anemia.
Support primary care providers in providing lead testing to one and two year olds. NH will screen pregnant women and older children.
Talk with families about their nutrition interests and goals; learn about nutrition resources and receive food benefits along with the eWIC Card and shopping information.
And refer families with other health and community services.
WIC provides 4 core services, including Nutrition Education – families meet with a nutritionist, with the goal to help and support our families to make healthy changes by using motivational interviewing, Breastfeeding Support by promoting breastfeeding as the optimal form of infant feeding, Healthy Foods by providing our families with a healthy variety of foods needed during times of increased growth and development, and Referrals to Health and Social Services by helping our families find the resources needed when they need it most.
Currently, WIC Smart online nutrition education is offered to low risk children from 13 months-5 years of age at the follow up nutrition appointment. Having an online option keeps families engaged in the WIC program and offers another way to get education and benefits. The use of the online education option can eliminate to visits per year for eligible children.
The WIC program promotes breastfeeding as the optimal first food for infants. Breastfeeding rates have risen dramatically over the past 20 plus years. The current WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study found that in 2013, the breastfeeding initiation rate was 83% - an increase from the 56% who reported initiating breastfeeding in the original study conducted in 1994/1995.
Although there has been success with initiation in breastfeeding, there are barriers preventing families from meeting their breastfeeding goals. Barriers include, social pressures, a quick return to work after delivery, lack of facilities to breastfeed or pump in the workplace, and targeted marketing by the infant formula industry. WIC has been successful in supporting women with the initiation of breastfeeding and is leading efforts to increase breastfeeding duration, by increasing participant’s breastfeeding knowledge, confidence and support.
To provide support, each NH local agency has a designated BF coordinator that oversees the BF program and are certified lactation counselors; many of the WIC nutritionist are also Certified Lactation Counselors.
Each local agency has Breastfeeding peer counselors that provide peer support to WIC participants by in person one on one counseling to phone support. Peers provide a key role in breastfeeding support for the WIC participants not only in clinics but also providing after hours support.
In supporting families in their breastfeeding journey, WIC can offer manual pumps, single user pumps or a multi-user pump if needed. Our goal is to meet families where they are, and to provide the support needed to meet their nursing goals.
The breastfeeding rates shown for US and NH are from the CDC National Immunization Survey while the NH WIC rates are from the NH DHHS Data portal. Initiation rates in the US have risen dramatically over the last 20 years. You can see from the ‘ever BF’ chart, US, NH and NH WIC for years 2017-2020, NH does very well with breastfeeding initiation, as a state and in the WIC program, but by 6 months the numbers drop, especially with our families of low income. Some of the common barriers are, insufficient breastfeeding support, returning to work early and not being able to have the opportunity to build a good milk supply are just a couple of the factors that can contribute to this decline.
In addition, WIC breastfeeding rates may be lower due to families not knowing that WIC is an option for them during this time, some families may think of WIC as only providing formula and not know that a mom breastfeeding can get a food package in addition to support and other resources.
WIC enrolled participants get monthly food benefits on WIC’s “EBT" card to buy wholesome foods that help stretch the family food budget at the local grocery store.
WIC Nutritionists share tips on how to shop and prepare WIC foods.
The foods provided for the WIC program have to align with the WIC federal regulations. The slide shows the general food categories that families can purchase with their eWIC card at the stores; the state chooses which foods are included in the NH food booklet and Approved Product List. The food booklet is reviewed twice a year.
Not included on the slide but available, are alternative milk options including soymilk, tofu, and lactose free milk.
The NH food booklet and Approved product list can be found on the DHHS WIC website and on the WICShopper App which will be mentioned next.
To assist families with a better shopping experience, New Hampshire WIC utilizes an app called ‘WICShopper’ that can easily be downloaded to any smartphone. The app has a variety of features including viewing current benefit balance, eligible WIC foods, scanning foods to see if they are WIC eligible in a participant’s balance, calculators to help manage ounce allotments of cereals, clinic locators, store locators, set up notification when benefits are to expire, recipes and life hacks. In addition, the WICShopper App also provides a variety of languages for families to choose from.
The WICShopper App has been another tool to help WIC get information out to our families quickly by placing messages on the banner and notification feature.
NH WIC Nutrition data is obtained from the WIC Management Information System or MIS. Up until 2011, data was collected by CDC Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance Survey (PedNSS). After 2011 NH continued to collect data from the WIC MIS system and posts on the DHHS website. The full reports for calendar year 2011 through 2022 are available on the DHHS Wisdom page. The DHHS Wisdom page displays participation, behaviors such as smoking and TV viewing, breastfeeding, including ever breastfed, 6 plus months, 12 plus months and exclusive breastfed, health topics such as obesity, overweight, anemia. The data displays for each county and statewide. The slide displays changes statewide from 2011 to 2022. Showing a decrease in household smoking, and increases in breastfeeding initiation, exclusively breastfeeding at 3 & 6 months.
Extensive research shows that participating in WIC leads to healthier babies, more nutritious diets and better health care for children, and higher academic achievement for students.
1. WIC Supports sound nutrition during critical periods of cognitive development to mitigate the harmful effects of poverty. New research shows that children whose mothers participated in WIC while pregnant scored higher on assessments of mental development at age 2 than similar children whose mothers didn’t participate.
2. Participating in WIC substantially reduces the risk of adverse birth outcomes and reduces the risk of infant mortality.
3. WIC promotes breastfeeding as the optimal feeding choice and supports participants throughout their breastfeeding journey by providing prenatal education, early postpartum support and peer counseling support.
WIC positively impacts local communities in a variety of ways.
WIC brings money into local economies with over 47,000 retailers in the US (and 147 in NH)
Brings healthy food to local communities, helps foster community partnerships that improve access to healthy food and ensure that local health and social service networks are strong and efficient.
WIC is a network built for families. WIC connects moms and caregivers to other moms, as well as nutritionists, lactation specialists and peer counselors.
WIC is for all moms and moms to be who meet income requirements, in fact, the WIC program serves over half of all infants born in the US.
The NH DHHS Data Portal, displays program overview data for NH WIC and shows the percentage of those participants receiving Medicaid, SNAP or TANF.
LTSAE –NH WIC has added Developmental Monitoring at certifications and mid-certification appointments using CDC’s Milestone checklists. Developmental milestones are age specific activities of how a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. CDC’s Milestone checklists allow families to track and celebrate the milestones their child is reaching; it also allows for early identification and referral for further evaluation when milestones are missed. The LTSAE pilot was launched at one small local agency right before COVID outbreak. Currently, All of the local agencies recently implemented the program in September 2022.
Water Well-ness Initiative– Project to reduce heavy metal exposure among a vulnerable population in WIC, pregnant women. Multiple state agencies worked together to implement water source screening at WIC appointments for those families using private wells. Participants that are eligible receive a water testing kit and if their water exceeds recommended amounts in any of five heavy metals a water pitcher and replacement cartridges will be mailed.
Smoking Project – The LA nutritionist screen for tobacco use using 2 A’s & R – Ask, Assist, Refer. Participants that are interested are referred to QuitNow-NH
Innovative Clinics – The WIC program is always looking for new ways to meet our families were they are at. By collaborating with Head Start and other programs such as Moms in Recovery, it allows the family to have access to multiple services at one appointment in the same location.
USDA Breastfeeding Training Platform – This training curriculum was implemented in Spring 2021. This platform allows for more up to date information, along with videos to help educated all WIC staff from program staff, nutritionist, peer counselors, WIC Designated Breastfeeding experts along with community partners.
Next we will look at ways families can connect with the WIC program.
NH has 4 WIC local agency contractors that cover the 10 counties in NH.
CAPBMCI covers – Belknap, Coos, Grafton and Merrimack counties
GCH covers – Carroll and Strafford Counties
SNHS covers – Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties
SCS covers – Cheshire and Sullivan Counties.
Families can call the local agency that services the county they live in to schedule appointments.
A quick tool for families to find a clinic near them by using www.signupwic.com. They will enter their zip code and it will populate the contact information for the local agency that services the area where they live.
The online pre-application tool allows families to reach out to WIC and start the appointment process. Applicants will be asked questions about household names, home address, contact information and language needs. The LA’s will receive notice and reach out to the family on the day and time indicated by the participant on the application.
Available resources include; general rack card, WIC income brochure with a QR code with current income guidelines and tear pads. Please reach out if you would like materials to provide in your family packets.
For additional information you can visit the NH DHHS website, or for questions, call our main number at 603-271-4546, or email at WIC@dhhs.nh.gov
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the NH WIC program.
NH WIC: Foods & Shopping Experience
NH WIC: Foods & Shopping Experience - 2023
NH WIC: Foods & Shopping Experience - 2023
NH WIC: Foods & Shopping Experience - 2023
Transcript of video:
Welcome, the following recording is presented on behalf of the NH Department of Health and Human Services, division of public health services, bureau of family health and nutrition, nutrition services section. Content provided will be an overview of the NH WIC food benefits, and how to use WIC benefits in authorized NH stores.
The WIC Program provides healthy foods. WIC foods are selected based on the Dietary guidelines for Americans and support the nutritional needs of pregnant, postpartum women, infants and children. The foods offered are high in protein, iron, vitamin C, calcium/vitamin D – all nutrients that are needed during times of growth and development.
The foods provided for the WIC program have to align with the WIC federal regulations. The NH WIC Food list is separated into different food categories. Within each food category it will display the approved sizes of the product, the brands allowed, and will also display which items are not allowed on WIC in red print. The NH WIC food list is reviewed two times each year by the state agency and updated as needed. Requests for foods to be added are continuously shared through the WICShopper App throughout the year and reviewed by the nutrition team. If approved, items are added into the NH WIC system.
The most current NH WIC Approved Food List can be found on the NH DHHS website and the WICShopper App.
Next we will look a little closer at each food category.
Infants 6 months and older are provided infant foods, which include cereal and fruit/veggie purees through their first birthday (12 months). The fully breastfed infant is provided a larger amounts of infant fruits/veggies and also infant meats.
The NH WIC Program supports and encourages breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method for infants, for infants who are not breastfed, the WIC Program provides infant formulas. Currently NH WIC has a contract with Abbott nutrition to provide Similac infant formulas. These include, Similac Advance, Similac Isomil, Similac Sensitive and Similac Total Comfort.
You will notice the red print or a red box that highlights specific foods not approved to purchase with WIC benefits. They are foods that are not approved for purchase w/ WIC benefits. If there are no red printed food items displayed, it means only the foods listed for that food category are allowed.
A cash value benefit (CVB) for fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables is loaded onto the WIC card each month. The cash value benefit is available for infants 9 mos to 11 months, for children, women PG, BF and PP.
This is the only dollar amount that will be on the WIC card.
Milk is listed on the benefit balance in the number of gallons, half-gallons, or quarts. The size listed on the benefit balance is the size available to purchase with the WIC card. In addition to the size, the WIC benefit balance will specify which type of milk can be purchase with the WIC card. If a family member does not drink cow’s milk or has an allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk, families can talk with the nutritionist about other options – such as soymilk or lactose free milk.
Tofu and soymilk can be a substitute for dairy products when there is a milk allergy, lactose intolerance, vegan diet, or cultural preference.
Regular or reduced fat cheese may be purchased in either 2, 8oz packages or 1, 16oz package size for the types listed in either block, round, shredded, sliced (not individually wrapped) or string cheese (100% mozzarella). Only cheese from the dairy case may be purchased, no deli cheeses.
Many varieties of yogurt are provided on NH WIC. Fat free or nonfat yogurts are provided to women and children older than 2 y.o.; whole milk yogurt is provide to children 1-2 y.o. Greek yogurt is allowed along with many different flavors.
The following sizes are allowed on NH WIC:
32oz container
2oz tubes, 2 8packs or 1 16 pack
16 oz package sizes for whole grain products are available to purchase on WIC. The five options available are -
Whole Wheat Breads or Buns
Tortillas (Whole wheat or Soft Corn)
Brown Rice
Whole Grain Pasta
Oatmeal
The benefit balance will display how many whole grain options may be purchased in the benefit month. Families may choose the same whole grain, or any combination.
This slide shows whole grain options, brown rice, oatmeal and whole wheat pasta.
100% fruit or vegetable juice in a 64 oz plastic container listed is WIC approved. Calcium fortified is allowed. The slide displays the types and brands currently approved for NH WIC.
64 ounce bottle juice is the standard juice on the child’s food package.
100% pasteurized orange juice in 64 oz refrigerated plastic jugs or cartons is approved. This is an option for the child’s food package. The slide displays the types and brands currently approved for NH WIC.
The frozen concentrate juice 11.5 to 12 oz cans only is standard juice for the women food packages.
Breakfast cereal displays on the WIC benefit balance in ounces. WIC offers National and Store brand cereals. Women and children each receive 36oz of breakfast cereal on their WIC card each month. The cereal box size needs to be 12 oz or larger.
For example, if the benefit balance displays 36 oz cereal, the participant can choose 2, 18oz boxes or 1, 24oz and a 1, 12oz box to equal your 36oz on the benefit balance. Another example, if two children receive benefits, the benefit balance will display 72 ounces of breakfast cereal. Families will add up the boxes of cereal to match the total on their benefit balance for the given date the benefits are redeemed. Families do not have to purchase all of the cereal ounces at one time, but within the benefit period.
WIC participants are able to buy any combination of breakfast cereals up to the number of ounces of breakfast cereal listed on their benefit balance sheet, they are not able to go over.
To assist families, the WICShopper app has a cereal calculator to help.
Store brand cereals and hot cereals are listed on the slide and are also available to participants.
Peanut butter is allowed in 16oz to 18oz jars only, any brand of creamy, smooth, crunchy, or chunky. Red print displays PB not allowed, this includes; no peanut spreads, peanut butter spreads, low fat, reduces fat, deli, honey roasted, organic or low carb options. In addition, not allowed are those with artificial sweeteners, palm oil, added flavors, honey, marshmallow, chocolate, or jelly.
Any brands and variety of canned beans are allowed on WIC as along as the can size is 15oz to16oz. Canned items such as, green peas, green beans, wax beans, or snap bean can be purchased with the fruit and vegetable cash value benefit only.
Dry beans, peas, and lentils are also available to purchase on WIC in a 16oz bag size, any brand and variety is allowed of unflavored or unseasoned.
At each appointment, the WIC nutritionist will review the food package for each family member active on WIC.
The WIC Program allows one dozen, any brand, including any color and size of chicken eggs.
The exclusively breastfeeding food package will display canned fish. The participant can choose in the store, any brand pink salmon (5,6, or 7.5oz cans) or chunk light tuna (5oz cans) packed in water that can be mix and match up to 30oz.
Red print, displays the types of tuna or salmon that are not allowed.
Participants on the NH WIC Program purchase their WIC foods using the NH WIC EBT card or eWIC card. Families are assigned an eWIC card when they are certified on the WIC Program. WIC Staff assist families to set up their eWIC card at the clinic. The family will need to call the number on the back of the card, 1-855-279-0680 to set up their 4 digit Personal identification Number (PIN) on their own. WIC participants are reminded, they must keep their PIN number secure and only share it with authorized users.
One eWIC card is provided to a family, it holds the total monthly food package benefits for all family members on WIC. An exception to this is foster children, they will be issued their own eWIC card with their food package benefits separately.
This slide displays the benefit balance or shopping list provided to a participant that has one child enrolled in WIC. Families will meet with a WIC nutritionist to review food packages for family members active on WIC and tailor foods to meet the family needs.
There are two important dates displayed on the benefit balance sheet: 10/16/2023, referred to as the FIRST USE DATE, represents the first day the benefits will be available on the family eWIC card to use in a NH WIC approved store. 11/15/2022, referred to as the LAST USE DATE, is the last day the benefits will be available for the given monthly benefit period for families to redeem the food benefits in the store before they expire.
The benefit balance sheet has the total amount of all the WIC foods for all active WIC participants combined on one card.
As a reminder, WIC foods must be purchased by the last use date indicated or they will expire for that month, WIC food benefits do not carry over to the next month.
This slide displays the benefit balance or shopping list provided to a participant that is fully breastfeeding and has an infant that is 6 months old on the WIC program. In addition to the child’s food package, the enrolled participant that is pregnant or breastfeeding will receive some foods in greater amounts and tuna or salmon option. For infants 6 -11 months, they will receive infant cereals, infant fruit and vegetables.
Families do not have to purchase all the foods at one shopping trip, multiple shopping events are allowed.
Families will receive a store list when provided a WIC card. When shopping, a participant will look for “NH WIC Accepted Here” sign before shopping.
To complete a transaction,
Scan all WIC food items individually at the register (This is done by the cashier but may be done by the participant when using self-checkout where available.)
Swipe eWIC card first before other forms of payment.
Enter the four digit PIN.
Approve or decline the transaction on the pin pad. In addition a mid-receipt may print out or display on screen with the items purchased for the participant to review. The WIC participant has the right to put back any not approved WIC foods or pay for them with a separate form of payment.
Behind the scene:
The eWIC account balance is checked against the WIC approved foods purchased.
The eWIC account is debited the appropriate quantity after the WIC participant approves the eWIC transaction.
The final receipt shows the foods purchased and remaining food balance.
40 is the maximum number of items that can go through at a single eWIC transaction; there is no minimum purchase requirements. This is commonly seen when a participant is buying infant foods or if they have a larger family.
If you have foster children with separate WIC cards, you will need to complete separate transactions, specific to the foods on that WIC account.
The WIC card must be present for all transactions, if the card does not go through when swiped the cashier may manually enter the card number.
An ID is NOT required for a WIC transaction at the retail store.
If the PIN number is incorrectly entered four times, the card will become locked.
A participant may call their local WIC agency or call the interactive voice response number on the back of the card, 1-855-279-0680, to unlock their card if needed, during normal business hours.
All locked cards will automatically “unlock” at midnight.
There are many ways to check the benefit balance. Participants can,
Refer to the monthly benefit balance list provided by the WIC local agency.
Call customer service: 1-855-279-0680
Go to any register or customer service at a WIC authorized store to get a print out of the current balance.
Go to the cardholder website: www.WICConnect.com. Select NH WIC from the drop down menu or use the QR code in the WIC food list. Click create user account, will need the primary card holder mailing address zip code, date of birth and card number.
WICShopper App with registered eWIC card.
The WIC receipt will show the following information.
What WIC items were purchased during the transaction.
Balance due, if any.
When the WIC participant’s remaining benefits expire.
The available benefits balance that are left on the card, if any.
Families have access to tips when shopping available in the WIC Food List. Copies of the WIC Food List can be found on the DHHS web site, WICShopper App or families can receive a copy from their local agency.
When shopping with an eWIC card, families may use store and manufacturer coupons and promotions. For example, buy one, get one free; buy one, get one at reduced price; additional free ounces added by the manufacturer; store savings card or customer rewards cards; and manufacturer cents-off coupons.
Anyone shopping with an eWIC card must be respectful and courteous to store staff. Store staff must be respectful and courteous to eWIC cardholders as well.
eWIC cardholders are not allowed to sell, return or get a refund with WIC foods. This includes, no cash refunds, gift cards, change, rainchecks, or IOUs in exchange for WIC benefits, foods or formula.
Infant formula bought with WIC benefits may not be exchanged for another brand or type of formula. Any formula changes must be done at the local WIC office.
For additional information you can visit the NH DHHS website, or for questions, call our main number at 603-271-4546, or email at WICVendor@dhhs.nh.gov
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the NH WIC program.