The Supplemental Nutrition Program, WIC, Is Adjusting To Deal With The Coronavirus Pandemic

The Supplemental Nutrition Program, WIC, Is Adjusting To Deal With The Coronavirus Pandemic

New at ten -- the supplemental nutrition program wic - or women... infants... and children... is making adjustments becasue of the coronavirus pandemic.

But huntsville moms tell waay 31 they are still struggling to get the items they need.

Waay31's megan reyna joins us live with what exactly is being done to help these mothers -- and their message to all shoppers.

It's no secret food hoarding has been an issue throughout this pandemic.

Inside grocery stores... you'll find some empty shelves... that pre-coronavirus were always full.

But for wic recipients... its stressful when they are already limited on what items they are able to purchase.

Natz clark says:"we really like kids, and our kids have gotten older."

Holly clark and her husband decided to fill their empty nest... and began fostering four years ago.

With more mouths to feed -- they also became wic participants.

Clark says:"for wic, you have to get specific items, there's an app you can use to scan to see if its okay for wic."

It's a program for pregnant women... new mothers... and families with kids under the age of five.

For clark -- it's been helpful especially when she fosters infants... since formula can get pricey.

Clark says:"obviously foster parents can't breast feed, and even parents who can, its great that they have wic to help out."

Right now she's not taking care of any little ones... but is told formula has been the toughest item to track down.

Clark says:" i know a lot of moms were talking back and forth to find out if any stores have formula available because you know you can only again get the specific sizes with wic."

So far - wic has only made adjustments to bread.

Its now allowing three more options.

An adjustment clark is thankful for.

But she says there's ways you can help.

Clark says:"if you have an option to buy a regular item, or buy a wic item, buy a regular item so a wic participant can get an item that is on their voucher or on their card."

The wic items will typically be the lower priced items. some stores even have a wic symbol next to the price tag.

As far as the wic clinic here in madison county -- it is still open.

Reporting live in hsv mr waay 31 news.