BAKER CITY — As inflation continues to leave its mark throughout Oregon, more struggling families are turning to WIC to keep their children fed and healthy.

After hitting a peak during the pandemic, the federal nutrition assistance program has seen increasing participation across the state over the last few years.

The program served 116,334 participants in Oregon in 2020. The following year the number dipped to 110,890, and in 2022 it rose only slightly, to 110,967.

Last year, however, the numbers climbed sharply, to 114,863 participants, according to data from the Oregon Health Authority, which administers the program in Oregon.

That number breaks down to 31,213 women and 83,650 children, OHA records show. Altogether, WIC recipients in Oregon spent $59.6 million in benefits at authorized grocery stores and pharmacies across the state in 2023.

Inflation takes a bite

“I’m unsure why the 2020 numbers were up, but currently I am noticing more food insecurity than I have seen since starting with WIC 10 years ago,” said Mandy Peterson, the registered dietitian for WIC in Baker County.

She noted WIC participants have been saying that grocery money is tight, with high prices at the supermarket.

“They are concerned about having enough food in the house or, if they have enough, they are sometimes buying less nutritious foods to stretch the food budget,” Peterson said. “Many have mentioned that WIC benefits have made it possible to continue to buy healthy foods to feed their families. They are especially appreciative of the fruit and vegetable benefits.”

WIC is the acronym for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative aimed at providing better nutrition to improve health outcomes for low-income families.

The program serves pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5.

Eligibility is based on income. In Oregon, families with a gross household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level can qualify. For a woman with three qualifying children, for instance, that equates to a household income of $55,500 a year before taxes.

The monetary value of the benefits varies based on a variety of factors, but the current value of the children’s food package in Baker County works out to just under $88 a month for each qualifying child.

WIC recipients receive benefits in the form of an electronic benefits transfer card, which works like a debit card and can be used to purchase WIC-approved food items at authorized stores.

The list of approved foods includes milk, cheese, baby food, cereal, eggs, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, dried and canned beans, corn and whole wheat tortillas, canned fish and brown rice, among other staples. It doesn not include candy, ice cream or junk food.

“WIC helps improve the health of mothers and supports a healthy start for infants and children through nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and health screenings and referrals,” Peterson said.

Phone appointments help

She noted some of the participation increase, especially in Baker County, can likely be attributed to the modernization of WIC. Some appointments can now be handled by phone or text.

“This has been very positive for families who may not have transportation or may not have the funds to travel to WIC appointments,” Peterson said. “This is especially true for our families who live rurally.”

Phone appointments also allow program participants to schedule meetings around their work schedules. According to the most recent OHA data, 71% of WIC families are working families.

“For families that still want to come into the WIC office, Medicaid is offering non-emergent medical transportation to get families to their WIC appointments,” Peterson noted.

Keeping it fresh

Starting in June, families can also access a benefit called Farm Direct Dollars.

“Our Farm Direct Dollars are an extra benefit that qualifying WIC participants get once per year,” Peterson said. “Each qualifying family member (participating family members that are over four months old) can qualify for $28 (in) Farm Direct Dollars.”

Farm Direct Dollars can be used at local farm stands in Oregon to buy fresh, local fruits and vegetables. For example, a family with a pregnant mom, a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old would qualify for $84 to spend on fruits and vegetables.

“This increases the fruit and vegetable access in the home and supports our local farms,” Peterson said.

Last year, according to OHA data, a little over $700,000 in Farm Direct Nutrition Program benefits was spent at authorized farm stands and farmers markets around the state.

Where to get help

To learn more about WIC benefits and find out if you qualify, contact your local program administrator at one of the following numbers:

Baker County Health Department: 541-523-8211

Grant County Health Department: 541-575-0429

Umatilla-Morrow HeadStart: 800-559-587

Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center: 541-278-756

Union County Center for Human Development: 541-962-882

Wallowa County Winding Waters WIC Clinic: 541-426-4502

“I’m unsure why the 2020 numbers were up, but currently I am noticing more food insecurity than I have seen since starting with WIC 10 years ago.”

Mandy Peterson, registered dietitian for WIC in Baker County

WIC in Northeast Oregon

Participation in WIC, the federal low-income nutrition assistance program for women, infants and children, is up statewide. Below are last year’s participation umbers for Northeast Oregon, by county.

Baker County: 495

Grant County: 183

Umatilla-Morrow counties: 4,338

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation: 133

Union County: 916

Wallowa County: 122

Source: Oregon Health Authority. Numbers based on 2023 data.