April 29th, 2008
WIC offices to close May 5-9 for training

Offering New Lone Star Card for Benefits

Beginning May 12, 2008, the City of San Marcos Women Infants and Children nutrition program will start providing WIC benefits on a WIC Lone Star card instead of paper vouchers.

To prepare for this transition, the WIC offices in San Marcos, New Braunfels, Seguin, Lockhart, Bastrop, and Elgin will be closed the week of May 5 through May 9. Staff will attend training in Austin, and the computer equipment and software will be converted to a new system to accommodate the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).

This closure may affect infants with special needs who require non-contract formula. If possible, the discharging hospital, specialty care, or pediatrician’s offices should issue ample amounts of formula to sustain the infant for at least a week. WIC clients are encouraged to contact Mom’s Place in Austin for breastfeeding support. Mom’s Place can be reached at 512-719-3010.

All WIC offices will resume services the week of May 12. For further information on Electronic Benefits Transfer, please refer to the Texas Department of State Health Services WIC site at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/ebt/ebt1.shtm .

To find the nearest WIC location, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services WIC Program at 1-800-942-3678

WIC is an equal opportunity provider. The City of San Marcos manages WIC programs in five counties, including Hays, Caldwell, Comal, Bastrop and Guadalupe Counties. Some 10,000 women and their children are served each month by the program.

By MELISSA MILLECAM
Communications Director – City of San Marcos