Paris, Tenn. – The Tennessee Women, Infants and Children or WIC Program has transitioned to
an electronic benefit transfer system from a paper-based method of issuing benefits. Henry
County families participating in WIC now use their TNWIC cards instead of paper vouchers to
purchase WIC-approved foods.
“We are really excited to offer TNWIC to families and participating retail stores in Henry
County,” said Health Department Director Tracy Byrd. “The new system makes purchases flow
more smoothly for both shoppers and retailers, and reduces stigma for our WIC participants
who can now use an electronic card for purchases instead of paper vouchers.”
With the new TNWIC system, benefits for WIC-approved foods are automatically entered into
an account and accessed with a card similar to a debit card. This card replaces paper vouchers
and can be used at any WIC-authorized store statewide. WIC is an important economic driver in
Tennessee communities: In 2018, WIC participants redeemed almost $87 million in program
benefits at WIC-authorized stores across the state.
Each month, an average of 125,000 Tennesseans at nutritional risk receive WIC benefits
provided through the Tennessee Department of Health in 124 county health departments,
stand-alone clinics, and hospital sites throughout the state. WIC provides supplemental food
assistance and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding
women, infants, and children until age five. In addition to healthy foods, nutrition education
and breastfeeding support, WIC also provides referrals to other health and community-based
services. WIC has proven to be effective in preventing and improving nutrition-related health
problems.
To learn more about WIC including guidelines for participation, call the Henry County Health
Department at 731-642-4025. You can also call 1-800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942) or visit
www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/wic.html.
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