Connecticut State Department of Public Health

COVID-19 Community Levels Update, March 24, 2023: The CDC has listed all eight Connecticut counties in the Low/Green category as part of its weekly Community Levels update. People who are at a high risk for severe illness should consider additional measures to minimize their exposure to COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses. Visit the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels Map for updates.


Please visit covidtests.gov to request four free COVID-19 self-test kits from the Federal Government. Find a location that has a supply of COVID-19 therapeutics as part of the Test to Treat initiative here. The complete DPH COVID-19 toolbox is located at ct.gov/coronavirus.

WIC


WELCOME TO THE CONNECTICUT WIC PROGRAM

 

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Formula Updates

February 21, 2023

 

Mead Johnson has recalled two batches of ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Powder 12.9 oz. For more information, click HERE

 

 

 

February 6, 2023

 

Temporary Formula Substitutions NO LONGER WIC ALLOWED Effective 2/28/23 

 

Standard infant formula availability is returning to normal levels and formula can now be found in most CT WIC approved stores. During the formula shortage we were able to provide brands/substitutes other than Similac to families unable to find their needed formula however these temporary flexibilities are ending. 

 

Effective 2/28/23 all WIC participants using standard formula will only be able to purchase Similac products.

If you have questions regarding this change or difficulty finding standard formula in your area, please contact your local WIC office.

 

For a complete list of WIC Approved Contract and Specialized Formulas and Medical Foods, click HERE.  

 

 

ALERT: Please note this important change to the purchase of certain WIC Approved juice containers.

 

On January 1, 2023, the 2nd phase of Connecticut's Bottle Bill is going into effect. Half gallon (64 oz.) plastic containers of juice will now be included in the items subject to a 5 cent bottle deposit.  The WIC Program cannot pay the 5 cent deposit. For transactions made with a WIC card, the 5 cent deposit must be paid for separately from the food items.

 

When purchasing 64 oz. plastic bottles of WIC approved juice, customers using WIC cards will first swipe their WIC card to pay for the WIC approved food items, then will need to pay the bottle deposit with any other form of payment. 

 

For more information about Connecticut's Bottle Bill, click HERE.  

 

ALERT: WIC participants are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers, and can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP or by calling 1.877.384.2575.

 

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under Five Years Old

All children over 6 months old are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The best way to protect children against COVID-19 is to get them vaccinated. Like other pediatric vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine was thoroughly tested on children before being recommended, and both types of vaccines are safe and effective. All children who have already had COVID-19 should still consider getting vaccinated. Parents or caregivers can find available vaccines HERE or by contacting their healthcare provider or local pharmacy. The vaccine is available at no cost to any child who meets the age criterion, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

 

WIC’s fruit and vegetable enhanced benefit gets an extension!  

The temporary enhanced fruit and vegetable benefit for WIC participants over the age of 1 has been extended.  

What you need to know:

The amount of fruit and vegetable benefit you or your child receives depends on your category. How much will I get? 

*NEW AMOUNTS* 

        $25 per month for each child over 12 months of age 

        $44 per month for pregnant and postpartum participants 

        $49 per month for fully or partially (mostly) breastfeeding participant 

Reminder: WIC benefits are good for 30 days and do not roll over into the next month if unused. For questions about the extra fruit and vegetable benefit, call your WIC office. For recipe ideas, go to the Yummy Recipes tab on the WICShopper app.

                                                                                                                                                                                    

Connecticut WIC Program Service Update

The Connecticut WIC Program is here to support you.  All WIC offices are currently open with flexible appointment options including phone, video conference, online and in-person appointments.  To see what is needed for your upcoming appointment, visit the WICShopper app My Appointment button or contact your local WIC office.  

                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as the WIC Program, provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, nutrition education, and breastfeeding promotion and support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.

 

Who is eligible?

  • Pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends).
  • Breastfeeding women (up to infant’s 1 st birthday).
  • Non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends).
  • Infants (up to 1st birthday). WIC serves 45 percent of all infants born in the United States.
  • Children up to their 5th birthday (fathers, grandparents, foster parents or other guardians may apply for WIC for their children).

What are the benefits?

  • Individual time to speak with a nutritionist or trained professional about your diet or your child's diet.
  • Opportunity to meet and talk to other moms with young children.
  • Referrals to health care and other social service programs.
  • An eWIC card to buy healthy food for you or your children.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement


In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online HERE, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

 

 

 Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

              1400 Independence Avenue, SW

               Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.