Everyone Is Welcome at Garrett County WIC

WIC is here for moms, dads, parents, grandparents, foster parents, aunts, uncles, and guardians of all kinds! WIC has so much to offer families, from healthy food and nutrition education to mental health referrals and breastfeeding support, WIC can help you take care of yourself and your family.

Whether you have a baby, are recently pregnant, breastfeeding, or have little ones under age five, you can apply anytime.

“WIC bridges the nutritional gap that would otherwise go unmet for our most vulnerable populations,” said Karen George, Coordinator of Special Programs. “In other words, the world should know that WIC works!”

Most people think of WIC as a women’s program because it’s in the name (Women, Infants, and Children), but it’s for anyone caring for children under age five. That’s right, dads can, and should, be involved in WIC, too! In addition to normal food and nutritional education, WIC offers peer support for fathers, too.

The older generation should not be left out, either. Grandparents or other caregivers raising children can also apply for WIC benefits for children up to age five in their care.

Foster parents are sometimes left out of the mix as well, but foster children under the age of five automatically qualify for WIC benefits.

“Many families believe enrolling in WIC might take resources away from other families, but that’s not the case,” said George. “There is no limit to the number of families who can receive WIC benefits, so accessing it for your foster children will not reduce access for anyone else.”

There’s good news for military families as well. Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) are not counted as income when applying for WIC. In addition, the program is available for service members overseas, so even if you didn’t qualify for WIC benefits before, you might when moving internationally.

Families who have recently moved to the United States can still get help from WIC. Signing up for the program will not affect their immigration status or ability to become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

“The bottom line is – if you care for kids under age five, check with your local WIC office to see if you qualify for assistance,” George said. “The price of everything is going up, so why not see if you can receive a little help to buy healthy groceries, and while you are at it, check out the other benefits available to WIC participants. Everyone can use a little bit of help!”

Contact your local WIC clinic at 301-334-7710 for more information.