The state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children are coordinating efforts to help ensure that qualified families have maximum access to nutritious food and health supports.What You Need To KnowSNAP provides low-income individuals and families monthly food benefits via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards that can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores statewide. WIC offers complementary food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health and social services to families with pregnant or post-partum women and infants or children who are at nutritional risk In many cases, SNAP beneficiaries meet income requirements for WIC but may not be aware of their eligibility for the program As part of the newly adopted protocols, SNAP will share monthly referrals with WIC to help identify families who may qualify but are not yet enrolled Once a referral is made, WIC staff will follow up with the individual or family via phone, text or email to offer an appointment Studies have found that participating in WIC improves pregnancy outcomes, reduces premature births and infant mortality, supports healthy child development and lowers long-term health care costs “When families have access to nutritious food, it supports not just physical health, but stability, dignity and opportunity,” said DHS Director Ryan Yamane. “By strengthening the connection between SNAP and WIC, we are making it easier for families to receive the full range of support available to them during some of life’s most important stages.”Administered by the state Department of Health, SNAP provides low-income individuals and families monthly food benefits via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards that can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores statewide. WIC, which is administered by the Department of Human Services, offers complementary food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health and social services to families with pregnant or post-partum women and infants or children who are at nutritional risk. The food provided includes fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, whole grains, infant food and other healthy fare tailored to the needs of the participants.Proof of pregnancy is not required to apply for WIC and citizenship status does not affect eligibility.In many cases, SNAP beneficiaries meet income requirements for WIC but may not be aware of their eligibility for the program. As part of the newly adopted protocols, SNAP will share monthly referrals with WIC to help identify families who may qualify but are not yet enrolled. Once a referral is made, WIC staff will follow up with the individual or family via phone, text or email to offer an appointment.“Our goal is to meet families where they are and make the process as welcoming and simple as possible,” said WIC Services Branch chief Melanie Murakami. “WIC is about mo Read More