WIC extending enrollment this summer at West Virginia festivals and fairs 

The state will extend enrollment for the West Virginia Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as the WIC program. The state WIC office plans to host enrollment events at upcoming fairs and festivals this summer. 

WIC provides food to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. The program also provides nutrition and breastfeeding education.

Three out of every four babies born in West Virginia were enrolled in the program in 2022 – higher than the national average – as the state has one of the highest child hunger rates in the country.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources said in a news release Tuesday that along with its summer outreach plans, the program will use an online portal to accept applications as part of “an ongoing effort to modernize services.”

The WIC office’s summer outreach at fairs and festivals will include children’s activities, diaper changing stations and free farmers markets while enrolling eligible families. 

“Fairs and festivals are an opportunity for WIC staff to meet families in the community while highlighting the support and public health services available through WIC clinics,” said Jamie Wilkinson, outreach coordinator for the state’s WIC’s Office of Nutrition Services.