NH WIC Announces NEW Online Pre-Application Tool

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) announces the launch of an online tool to make it easier for families to apply for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. WIC provides nutrition education and supplemental foods for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under five.

The new tool allows families to electronically request an appointment with WIC staff to determine if they are eligible for the program. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, WIC began accepting applications by phone. The program has also implemented additional ways for people to safely access WIC services during the pandemic, including online nutrition education, remote support, self-checkout, and curbside pickup options where available.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a 12% increase in applications for WIC,” said Dr. Sai Cherala, Bureau Chief of the DPHS Bureau of Population Health and Community Services. “We recognize the stress that comes with supporting a young family during this challenging time, and our goal is to address food insecurity head-on and do everything we can to ensure that families can put healthy meals on their tables.”

Local WIC clinics include nutritionists to provide information on kid-friendly recipes, tips for picky eaters, and shopping on a budget. Trained breastfeeding peer counselors are also available to assist new mothers with meeting their breastfeeding goals.

WIC is open to New Hampshire families with a household income at or below 185% of the poverty level, or who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid programs. All caregivers are encouraged to access WIC, including moms, dads, grandparents caring for grandchildren, and foster parents.

Families can check their eligibility for the WIC program. Households with foster children are encouraged to apply. To schedule an online appointment, please visit www.nhwic.com/preapplicationportal, or call 1-800-942-4321 to schedule a phone appointment.