WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal government has extended the waivers that allow the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to offer remote services to participants during the pandemic, according to a press release.

The third extension from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the waiver makes it possible for Washington WIC to enroll new applicants, provide health screening, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, make referrals, and issue food benefits by phone or video chat. WIC normally requires in-person meetings.

These extended benefits will continue as long as there is a declared national public health emergency, according to the press release.

“This comes as a huge relief for WIC families and WIC staff as they focus on staying as safe as possible during the pandemic,” said Paul Throne, director of Washington WIC. “Many new moms and families with young children may qualify for WIC; we encourage them to reach out to us. If a young family has someone on Apple Health Medical (Provider One), they are especially likely to qualify.”

When WIC started offering all-remote services in April, a few weeks after the first cases of coronavirus were reported, program participation grew by about 4 percent and the rate of missed appointments dropped from 15 percent to almost zero, according to the press release.

Washington WIC also recently expanded the list of allowed foods to give families more choices and introduced the WIC Shopper App to help recipients choose the best foods available.

To find WIC services, applicants can text WIC to 96859 or call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.