For more information contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer (509) 324-1539 or kpapich@srhd.org

SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD) Women, Infant and Children (WIC) nutrition program continues to operate despite the federal government shutdown. WIC is a federally funded nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy. 

“In 2018, we served almost 10,000 participants monthly at our WIC clinics. This program is vital to the health of local families and it’s important that everyone knows we are still providing services,” says Kyle Unland, SRHD Health Promotion division director. 

WIC state and local agencies have enough reserve funding to remain open during the shutdown as long as it ends soon. WIC checks can still be used at any authorized grocery store and vendors will still receive payment. Should the continuation of the federal government shutdown threaten WIC operations, clients will be given advance notice of the impact. 

SRHD serves WIC clients at six Spokane County locations with the majority of sites offering services during normal business hours. Four additional Spokane County WIC locations are operated through West Central Community Center.

Fundamental to providing WIC families with nutrition and breastfeeding education and support are in-depth health assessment appointments. WIC staff personalize nutrition education for each client during the appointment and set achievable goals to make positive health changes. Central to these healthy goals are free healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and whole grains.

Concludes Unland, “WIC participants and retailers should be assured that WIC’s operations will continue normally for the time being. However, a prolonged shutdown will drain WIC agencies of critical resources and it remains vital that access to nutritious foods, infant formula and breastfeeding support for these families not be interrupted.”

Enrolling in WIC is easy, individuals can call 509.324.1620 or visit any of the six offices. More WIC information can be found as part of an FAQ on the health district’s site, as well as at www.srhd.org. Spokane Regional Health District’s website also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. People can also follow the health district on Twitter @spokanehealth.

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