Sherburne County’s WIC program  has just moved into a newer, bigger space at the Government Center.

 

The change is part of the expansion project that added a state-of-the-art justice building. As part of that expansion, the entire Health & Human Services Dept. moved upstairs into the former courts area.

 

WIC  (Women, Infants and Children) is a supplemental food program that serves pregnant women, postpartum women and breastfeeding kids up to age five.

“It’s a USDA program,” says HHS Health Promotions Supervisor Kara Zoller. “Sherburne County has been doing this since the 1990s.”

 

Because of space issues, the program had been operating from rented space at a Joplin Street location for the past six years. WIC also had a clinic being run periodically out of Becker City Hall.

 

The Joplin Street location closed Oct. 1. The Becker operation closed last week. Now WIC has joined the rest of HHS in one location. That will make it a lot more convenient for clients, many of whom are also involved with other HHS programs.

 

The new, remodeled area has five new, fully-equipped exam rooms and two restrooms, which is a necessity with young children around, says Zoller. There is also a lactation room for nursing mothers.

 

In addition to nutrition education, clients get counseling and regular health monitoring and hemoglobin checks.

 

But it’s not just the new location that will make life a bit easier for clients. In July, the county added an online and phone option. 

 

The online system is a self-guided program where clients can research any type of information they need. So site visits to the WIC offices aren’t always necessary now.

“The online system is easier, especially with mothers who have kids,” says WIC Coordinator Lindsey Ahlert.

 

Clients can also use the phone option to call in when scheduling is an issue.

 

But there’s more to come in March. That’s when the county will start issuing eWIC cards and the new WIC app goes online.

 

eWIC cards are similar to EBT cards, which replaced food stamps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

 

“No more paper vouchers, which can be really obvious when checking out at the store,” says Zoller. “eWIC is electronic, so it’s just like anyone else with a debit or credit card. It’s easier, faster and more discreet.”

 

The eWIC app will allow clients to scan bar codes on food items at the grocery store to see if they are eligible for the program, says Ahlert. The app also keeps a current balance so clients know  the status of their benefits.

 

“We think this will be a welcome change,” says Ahlert.

 

To apply for WIC and schedule an appointment by phone, call 763-765-4116 or 800-433-5239.

 

Applications are also available online on the Health & Human Services page on county website, www.co.sherburne.mn.us under Women, Children & Infants.

 

Submitted applications will be reviewed. Applicants will be contacted within two business days.