The Health Department encourages those who are enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to use their food benefits during COVID-19 to support good nutrition for their families.

Some of the WIC beneficiaries in North Carolina have not used their full food benefits each month since March 27, when the state’s initial Stay at Home Order in response to COVID-19 went into effect. Because WIC allowances do not roll over, beneficiaries lose any food balance they do not spend during a family issue month.

North Carolina serves more than 230,000 mothers and children in the program. The Cumberland County program serves 11,500.

WIC participants receive nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding support and referrals to community and health agencies to improve their diets and reduce their chances of health problems caused by poor nutrition.

WIC food allowances are auto-issued each month. Families enrolled in WIC can download the Bnft® App, available in the App Store or on Google Play, and enable notifications to ensure they never miss an update to their eWIC account.

If you or someone you know has been financially affected by recent events and is pregnant are has children younger than 5, WIC is accepting applications to help provide healthy foods and other resources. Eligible families, dads, grandparents and foster parents caring for eligible children should contact WIC at 910-433-3730 to enroll. The WIC offices in Fayetteville and Spring Lake are open by appointment only. The Hope Mills WIC office remains closed to the public but is conducting appointments over the phone at 910-433-3760.
For more information on the WIC program, eligibility and benefits visit http://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/departments/public-health-group/public-health/WIC.