This news item expired on Friday, October 11, 2013 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Due to the federal shutdown, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as the WIC program, discontinued issuing benefits at close of business on Tuesday, October 8, 2013. Approximately 80 percent of eligible clients in NC already have been issued food benefits for the month of October.
DHHS has determined that federal WIC funds available to NC will be sufficient to cover WIC vouchers already issued for the month of October, but not sufficient to issue additional vouchers. Therefore effective Wednesday, October 9, 2013 WIC will not issue any further WIC food benefits (WIC vouchers, food instruments, or formula from their inventory). This restriction is for all enrolled WIC participants as well as new applicants determined to be eligible for WIC food benefits.
IMPORTANT
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WIC clients should continue redeeming October vouchers and WIC vendors should continue normal operations to accept existing vouchers.
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WIC will continue to provide these services for current and new applicants:
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breastfeeding counseling and equipment
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nutrition counseling and assessment
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eligibility determination for WIC
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will assist in connecting with Buncombe County’s Food Assistance Program to apply for benefits if not already enrolled
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refer to community agencies who may be able to provide food assistance
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It is important that current WIC clients keep their nutrition appointments:
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At the scheduled WIC appointment, clients who would otherwise receive food benefits will be placed on a waiting list for potential future mailing or pick up of food benefits.
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New applicants are encouraged to continue to apply as their eligibility will be determined and if eligible they will be placed on a waiting list
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The NC DHHS will continue to monitor the daily availability of federal funds and will announce changes if they become necessary
For more information, call or email Georganna Cogburn, WIC Director at Buncombe County Health and Human Services at 250-5172 or Georganna.cogburn@buncombecounty.org.