CHD4615: WIC & SNAP

Program benefits include more than food. List a few

- Health screening - Nutrition and breastfeeding counseling - Immunization screening and referral - Substance abuse referral

What types of foods do WIC participants receive?

- Cereal - Baby foods - Fruits and vegetables - Vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice - Eggs - Milk - Cheese - Peanut butter - Whole wheat bread

List some examples of where WIC services are provided

- County health departments - Hospitals - Mobile clinics (vans) - Community centers - Schools - Public housing sites - Migrant health centers and camps - Indian Health Service facilities

What are the two types of nutrition risk recognized for WIC eligibility?

- Medically-based - Dietary risks

Where is WIC available?

All 50 States

True or False. WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their infants, unless medically contraindicated.

True

List so WIC facts

- If you participate in another assistance program you may be automatically income-eligible for WIC - Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers - More than half of the infants in the U.S> participate in WIC - WIC participants support the local economy through their purchases - WIC works with farmers markets to help increase participant access to provide fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables

The WIC target population are low-income, nutritionally at risk for...

- Pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends) - Breastfeeding women (up to infants 1st birthday) - Nonbreast feeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends) - Infants (up to 1st birthday). WIC serves 53% of all infants born in the United States - Children up to their 5th birthday

List the benefits of WIC.

- Supplemental nutritious foods - Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics - Screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services

What are the two major types of "nutritional risk" recognized for WIC eligibility?

1.) Medically-based risks (designated as "high priority") such as anemia, underweight, maternal age, history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes. 2.) Diet-based risks such as inadequate dietary pattern.

WIC is administered by ________ WIC state agencies, through approximately 47,000 authorized retailers

90

What food benefits do WIC participants receive?

Checks or vouchers to purchase specific foods each month that are designed to supplement their diets with specific nutrients that benefit WIC's target population. - Some States issue an electronic benefit card

_____________ have always been the largest category of WIC participants?

Children

How many people does WIC serve?

During Fiscal Year 2017, the number of women, infants, and children receiving WIC benefits each month reached approximately 7.3 million.

Who is in a SNAP household?

Everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together is grouped together as one SNAP household

WIC is administered at the __________ level by FNS

Federal

What resources can I have (and still get SNAP benefits)?

Households may have $2,250 in countable resources (such as cash or money in a bank account) or $3,500 in countable resources if at least one member of the household is age 60 or older, or is disabled.

How do I receive SNAP benefits?

If you are found eligible, you will receive SNAP benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are automatically loaded into your account each month. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries at authorized food stores and retailers.

How long will I receive SNAP?

If you are found eligible, you will receive a notice that tells you how long you will receive SNAP benefits for; this is called your certification period. Before your certification period ends, you will receive another notice that says you must recertify to continue receiving benefits. Your local SNAP office will provide you with information about how to recertify.

What if I disagree with a decision made on my SNAP case?

If you disagree with a decision in your case, you may request a fair hearing with an official who is required by law to review the facts of your case in a fair and objective manner.

What happens when I apply for SNAP?

In most cases, once you submit your application, your State agency or local SNAP office will process it and send you a notice telling you whether or not you are eligible for benefits within 30 days.

What is the WIC infant formula rebate system?

Mothers participating in WIC are encouraged to breastfeed their infants if possible, but WIC State agencies provide infant formula for mothers who choose to use this feeding method.

Are non-citizens eligible for SNAP?

No

Who is eligible?

Pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 are eligible. - They must meet income guidelines, a State residency requirement, and be individually determined to be at "nutritional risk" by a health professional.

What is the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program?

Provides additional coupons to WIC participants that they can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets.

What must be true to be eligible?

The applicant must be individually determined to be at "nutrition risk" by a health professional or a trained health official.

True or False SNAP benefits are available to all eligible households regardless of race, sex, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs.

True

True or False WIC operates through 1,900 local agencies in 10,000 clinic sites, in 50 State health departments, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, the District of Columbia, and five territories (Northern Mariana, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands)

True

True or False. Nutritional risk is determined by a health professional such as a physician, nutritionist, or nurse, and is based on Federal guidelines. This health screening is free to program applicants

True

True or False. Vehicles count as a resource for SNAP purposes

True

True or False. WIC is not an entitlement program as Congress does not set aside funds to allow every eligible individual to participate in the program. WIC is a Federal grant program for which Congress authorizes a specific amount of funds each year for the program.

True

What is WIC?

WIC was established as a permanent program in 1974 to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. The mission is carried out by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education (including breastfeeding promotion and support), and referrals to health and other social services

How do I apply for SNAP?

You must apply for SNAP in the State where you currently live. Because each State has a different application form and process, a member of your household must contact your State agency directly to apply.

Am I eligible for SNAP?

Your household must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. If your State agency determines that you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive benefits back to the date you submitted your application.