March is National Nutrition Month and the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is reminding residents about two local programs that can benefit them. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides food benefits, education, assistance and support for individuals and families on a limited or low income, while the CalFresh program focuses on providing food benefits.
“All county residents should have access to healthy foods,” said Ellen Deutsche, supervisor of the WIC program in El Dorado County. “We want to ensure that our residents are aware of local programs that can assist them in staying healthy, particularly those who may be the most vulnerable.”
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program offering health education and information, breastfeeding support, and checks for healthy foods (like milk, fruits and vegetables) for qualifying pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and families with young children. The program also serves young children cared for by single fathers, grandparents, foster parents, step-parents and guardians who meet program guidelines. There is no charge to receive WIC services.
Newly pregnant women, migrant workers, and working families are encouraged to apply for WIC. Pregnant women may apply as soon as they know they are pregnant. To determine if they meet WIC guidelines, individuals may visitwww.wicworks.ca.gov. WIC staff may be reached via phone at (530) 621-6176 on the West Slope of El Dorado County or at (530) 573-3491 in the Tahoe Basin.
In addition to WIC, individuals may also qualify for CalFresh. CalFresh is a federally funded program that can help people on low incomes buy healthy food. According to managers of the CalFresh program in El Dorado County, many people are not aware of recent changes in the program, such as the ability to apply for CalFresh by phone or online at www.c4yourself.com and, once approved, to manage one’s case via the C4Yourself mobile app or online.
CalFresh is not just for families in need who have children. The program also serves single people, the elderly, and those with disabilities who have low incomes. CalFresh staff may be reached via phone at (530) 642-7300 on the West Slope of El Dorado County or at (530) 573-3200 in the Tahoe Basin.
The WIC and CalFresh programs are offered for residents throughout El Dorado County. Individuals who qualify may possibly receive benefits from both programs at the same time. For more information about either program, visit HHSA’s website - www.edcgov.us/hhsa. For additional information about National Nutrition Month and local resources, see www.welldorado.org
