The Gaston County WIC is taking steps to ensure that access to nutritional assistance is within reach for more families. Recognizing the struggles that work commitments and transportation issues can impose, they're reaching out with new Saturday Pop-Up Clinics. It's a development for families unable to attend during the standard work week, aiming to grant equal access to the resources that WIC provides. For those in the know, WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and has been a pivotal program in supporting low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, and young children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.
According to a recent update from the county, not only has the WIC program offered extended hours, it has also introduced remote appointments to suit participant scheduling better. To make things a tick more convenient, benefits are issued on an eWIC card, allowing for the easy acquisition of nutritious groceries. In a move to increase its reach and accessibility, Gaston County WIC now also provides both in-person and virtual breastfeeding classes, not to mention the inclusion of a Spanish breastfeeding class - open for all community members, though targeted at WIC participants.
The program has revived the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program this year. This initiative gives participants that added boon to buy fresh, locally grown produce at participating farmers markets, helping to foster a community of healthy eating and support for local agriculture. Further innovations include a newly implemented digital check-in process, enhancing the experience and expediency for participants upon arrival.
Angel Shytle, Gaston County WIC Director, emphasized the goal of the organization. "Our goal in Gaston County is to reach as many participants/families as possible who qualify for the WIC program and to make it accessible to all our participants," she told the county in an official statement. WIC's eligibility criteria extend to a broad set of individuals, ranging from new mothers to grandparents caring for young children, as long as they fall within the set income bracket and reside in North Carolina within the health delivery area of the WIC agency.
Those interested in taking advantage of the WIC program should note the various locations and times of operation across Gaston County. Notably, the Gaston County Health Department and the Gaston County Social Services Division serve during weekday business hours, while the Mt. Holly and Cherryville Public Libraries host the WIC program at specific dates each month. For more detailed information or to make an appointment, residents can call 704-853-5100, ensuring they have the opportunity to benefit from the services and support that WIC is geared up to offer.
