Barton County WIC Program Now Available Without Physical Presence
Press Release
For immediate release:
Date: March 25, 2020
Barton County WIC Program Now Available Without Physical Presence
Physical presence requirement waived effective Monday, March 23, 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Barton County WIC Program will continue to operate.
Current participants will continue to receive WIC benefits and new applicants will be assessed, certified and issued benefits.
Clinic operating hours and staff availability will be subject to local and state orders related to the pandemic. Currently, the Barton County WIC Program is in operation at the following days and times:
Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm
Normally, participants and applicants of the program must be physically present to receive services.
Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the USDA and the Kansas State Agency waived the physical presence requirement. This waiver applies to areas in which WIC clinics have been closed to the public or in areas that are under a current stay at home order. The physical presence waiver will also be used for those persons who are under quarantine, whether voluntary or involuntary.
WIC appointments may now be conducted using telephone, computer and other technology. Clinic staff will assess and certify applicants for eligibility and will issue food benefits remotely to those determined eligible.
Applicants and current participants should contact the WIC clinic to find out what options are available. Clinic locations and phone numbers are as follows:
Barton County Health Dept
1300 Kansas Ave.
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-1909
Information about other clinics is available at: http://www.kansaswic.org/families/WIC_county_map.html
Food benefits are purchased at approved grocery stores using an e-WIC card. Cards and program information may be issued to participants through a controlled physical pick up, such as a curbside pick-up process or cards and information may be mailed directly to participants. Local clinics will determine the most appropriate way to issue materials based on staffing and logistical resources.
WIC services include providing supplemental food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services.
Currently, each woman and child receives healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables with a retail value of about $37 per month and about $41 per month respectively. Infants who are not breastfed and receive infant formula receive infant formula with a retail value of approximately $152 per month.
Important: If you or anyone in your family have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please call the local WIC office and reschedule your appointment. You may be able to complete your WIC appointment over the phone.
Additional details about the Kansas WIC Program can be found here: http://www.kansaswic.org/families/
Additional details about COVID-19 in the State of Kansas can be found here: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus
Contact information:
Barton County Health Department WIC Program
620-793-1909