Your SC WIC team is working to ensure our participants can use their WIC benefits during these challenging times. We appreciate our WIC participants and are doing everything to provide you with your benefits. We will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 and update this page as information develops. If you have any questions or issues, please contact your local WIC office. 

IMPORTANT: WIC Services are Remote

To protect the health of WIC participants and WIC staff, until further notice, WIC participants are no longer required to visit the clinic. All services will be provided only through remote services by telephone. 

Hasta nuevo aviso, los participantes del Programa para Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC) no están obligados a visitar la clínica. Todos los servicios se ofrecerán por teléfono.

Phishing/Fraud Alert

The SC WIC program is aware of phishing/fraud attempts through text messages instructing participants to mail in their eWIC card with the passcode to reload their benefits. THIS IS NOT A MESSAGE FROM THE SC WIC PROGRAM. To reload your benefits, we DO NOT need your eWIC card or passcode. DO NOT SEND YOUR PASSCODE OR MAIL YOUR CARD TO ANYONE!

Increased Food Choices

In response to the demand for nutritious foods during the COVID-19 pandemic, DHEC is providing additional food items to South Carolina WIC participants. Until further notice, participants will have more purchasing options for milk, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. The following changes will go into effect:

• Participants can purchase 1% milk, non-fat milk, 2% milk, lactose-free 2% milk, lactose-free 1% milk, lactose-free non-fat milk, or soymilk.
• Participants can purchase any fat content of yogurt (Whole, Low-fat, or Non-fat).
• Participants who choose to receive Cash Value Benefits (CVB) instead of infant baby foods can purchase fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.

Temporary Remote Services  

USDA has placed a temporary waiver on the requirement for participants to be physically present during a certification. To ensure our program continues to offer the highest level of services we have created a Medical Referral Form (pdf). The purpose of the form is to collect accurate and up to date anthropometric data. Your office may have clients request the form be filled out for their next WIC appointment, or it can be used to refer a new client who would benefit from WIC’s services. For more information, please refer to the South Carolina WIC Director's letter.

Food Package Changes 

To help address WIC product shortages that have occurred, WIC participants may now choose from expanded options in a variety of food categories. You can check out what's available by clicking here. 

Is your grocery store out of your WIC infant formula? Please contact your local WIC clinic and ask for guidance. Do not try to make homemade infant formula, as it is dangerous for your baby. 

Are you breastfeeding? Please review the guidance from the CDC.  

Debunking the Myths 

The SC WIC program is aware of false information circulating regarding WIC benefits. Our WIC participants and new applicants can receive benefits without having to be physically present. The USDA physical presence waiver has waived the requirement to be physically present to receive services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is in effect until further notice. The waiver applies to areas impacted by WIC clinic closures, stay-at-home orders, and persons who are under quarantine. 

Clinic operating hours and staff availability will be subject to local and state orders related to the pandemic. Applicants and current participants should contact their local WIC clinic to find out what options are available. 

While locations are closed to the public, all WIC phone lines are open. New applicants will be assessed, certified, and issued benefits by local clinic staff using the telephone, computer, and other technologies. Thanks to our recent implementation of eWIC, staff can issue food benefits remotely to those determined to be eligible for the program. We are offering everything we would if a person walked into our office over the phone. It is our goal to keep things operating as close to normal as possible with all circumstances considered. We can load eWIC cards after each participant has gone through their appointment and they don't have to leave the house. If they're new to the program, the cards will be mailed.  

It's our goal to meet the needs of the community by being there for those who are at risk or in need of assistance. We encourage our participants to continue to take measures to help safeguard against illness.