Community Bridges WIC going digital with app, new card

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Participants in the Community Bridges WIC program now have new ways to access their benefits.

Starting Tuesday, participants will be able to access their benefits through a card similar to a debit card and an app that can be used to check food balances and appointments, find stores and find qualifying food.

Clients will start getting their cards at their next appointment, and all current clients are expected to have them by May 15. Those with paper coupons for Feb. 14 through May 14 can still use them until their next appointment.

Pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women and children under 5 years old qualify for WIC benefits if they have incomes at 185% or less of the poverty level and/or receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh or cash aid qualify for WIC benefits.

The Community Bridges WIC program serves more than 100 pregnant women, 900 breastfeeding women, 1,600 babies and 5,000 children in Santa Cruz County. Other Community Bridges programs include nutrition and breastfeeding education, food demonstrations and cooking tips.