Ocean County WIC Program Announcement

WIC – the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program – has released the new income guideline, effective July 1, 2021. The WIC Program aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.  Our services provide nutritious foods to supplement diets, healthy eating education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care and other social program.

The WIC Program income eligibility standards are based on the Federal Department of Health and Human Services Income Poverty Guidelines, which is limited to residents whose gross income (i.e., income before deductions for income taxes, social security, insurance premiums, bonds, etc.) is equal to or less than the income poverty guidelines of 185%.  For example, a family of four could qualify for WIC benefits with a total household gross income of $49,025 or less per year.

To learn more about the WIC in Ocean County, we encourage you to call (732-370-0122), email (wic@ochd.org) or visit our webpage (www.ochd.org/wic).  WIC is conveniently located throughout Ocean County in Lakewood, Toms River and Manahawkin, along with a mobile clinic that offers services throughout the county.  We are open Monday through Friday and provide evening hours.  Call us today to schedule an appointment, 732-370-0122.

“More than ever, families are trying to get back to “normal” after having to readjust everything for the past year.  One thing that has remained constant is WIC and we are here to help!”  states Patricia High, Assistant Public Health Coordinator.  “WIC has provided full WIC services to our communities from the beginning of the pandemic.  While our offices physically remain closed, we are open for business over the phone and provide benefits in the mail.  If are uncertain if you are eligible, call our office and we can set you up with a WIC representative to go over your eligibility with you.  Benefits for fruits and vegetables have increased this summer, so now is a great opportunity to be part of the WIC Program.”

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.