With any public health concern, we need to be prepared and informed about impacts coronavirus may have in our community. Stop the spread of germs and stay informed. For more information on the District Government’s preparations for impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.dc.gov for the most up to date information & details.
Mayor Bowser launched ten weekday grocery distribution sites at DCPS school locations to help families access meals during the coronavirus public health emergency. Sites are available to all families (first come, first served) and are open Monday-Friday from 12:30pm-2pm. Find a full list of all meal and grocery sites at coronavirus.dc.gov.
Visit coronavirus.dc.gov to view a District map of community food resources, including grocery stores, markets, free meals, and free groceries.
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT)
P-EBT is a new and temporary federal food benefit for families who have one or more child(ren) who receive free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) at their school. All District families who have at least one child who qualifies for free and reduced-price school meals. This includes any child in a school that provides free meals to all children. For questions, call DHS's P-EBT Call Center at (202) 868-6663, Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 4:45 pm.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, helps residents buy the food they need for good health. If you think you may be eligible for SNAP benefits, you can complete and submit an application through the DC Department of Human Services (DHS). Learn more about how to submit an application on the DHS website. In addition, all current SNAP recipients will be automatically re-certified during coronavirus (COVID-19), and all in-person interviews for new applicants have been waived.
DHS has a combined application for public benefits, so you can apply for SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, financial assistance), and Medical Assistance (Medicaid, Alliance and other medical assistance programs available through DHS) with the same application. Learn more about the Combined Application for Public Benefits here. For more information about COVID-19 and the District’s response, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
Call Center: 202-727-5355
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) helps pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five buy the food they need for good health and receive nutrition and breastfeeding counseling. If you think you may be eligible for WIC:
- Please contact your local WIC site to schedule an appointment. You can find site locations and contact information at dcwic.org/wic-locations.
- Visit: dcwic.org/how-to-apply-for-wic
Important changes to DC WIC operations during COVID-19:
- WIC sites are providing all services over the phone.
- All benefits will be mailed to participants.
- For additional information on DC WIC program updates, visit dcwic.org/covid-19.
Finding WIC foods at the store:
- DC WIC’s food list has been temporary expanded to allow for additional food items to be purchased with DC WIC checks during the COVID-19 public health emergency, effective April 1, 2020. You can find the list of expanded food items here.
- Safeway has included pregnant women in their Tuesday and Thursday “Golden Hours” from 7am – 9am, where at-risk individuals can shop safely at their stores.
Finding WIC-issued formula at the store:
- If you are having trouble finding your WIC-issued formula at the store, please speak to the store manager to see when shipments are scheduled. Some stores are able to put items (such as formula) on hold for customers.
- Participants with checks for special formulas may order these formulas at any authorized Pharmacy location. These pharmacies have 48 hours to obtain your special formula.
Mary's Center WIC Zoom Classes
Mary's Center is still offering their group classes virtually. Check out their schedule and find recurring Zoom meeting information below.
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Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
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11am |
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English |
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Amharic |
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2pm |
Spanish |
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Breastfeeding |
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Spanish
Topic: Nutrition Education - Spanish
Time: Mondays at 02:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://maryscenter.zoom.us/j/94046042433?pwd=Ni9mWlFTU3R4NkRRSXk2NEtyRjVvZz09
Meeting ID: 940 4604 2433
Password: 353451
Breastfeeding
Topic: Breastfeeding Class
Time: Wednesdays at 02:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://maryscenter.zoom.us/j/97567130779?pwd=b1B0NzVFbFp0ZXliMWZaMk5jTGhrUT09
Meeting ID: 975 6713 0779
Password: 425591
English
Topic: Nutrition Education - English
Time: Tuesdays at 11:00 am
Join Zoom Meeting: https://maryscenter.zoom.us/j/96294481199?pwd=ZXNIOURtTlpHSUpCbm1YdTIzamZFQT09
Meeting ID: 962 9448 1199
Password: 487178
Amharic
Topic: Nutrition Education - Amharic
Time: Fridays at 11:00am
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://maryscenter.zoom.us/j/99607290659?pwd=NjlsMjJ2OGFBMVErSzRzK1BoT0Jydz09
Meeting ID: 996 0729 0659
Password: 340765
We understand that this is not an exhaustive list. We are open to adding additional resources. Please email with your suggestions, [email protected]