The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program has completed their transition from paper food vouchers to an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. The new system is called eWIC.
Through the new eWIC system, benefits for WIC-approved foods are automatically entered onto an EBT card similar to a debit card. This card replaces the current paper-based food instruments and cash-value vouchers that were redeemed at WIC-authorized stores statewide. Anticipated benefits of conversion to an electronic system include smoother and faster transactions at the register and automatic electronic payments to vendors. Participants should have either received a card by this time or be scheduled for appointments to pick up their eWIC card. If anyone is uncertain, they should call their local WIC clinic to find out when their appointment is. Translators are available at every appointment, but might not be on hand if participants arrive without an appointment.
The WIC program serves more than 16,500 individuals in Maine. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 are eligible. Participants must meet income guidelines, live in Maine, and be determined by a health professional to be at “nutritional risk.”
For more information about the benefits of WIC, how to enroll as a new participant, or store locations, please go to www.maine.gov/WIC . Enrollment information for stores can be found at www.maine.gov/WIC.
