WIC South Central Massachusetts

02/05/2026

Interested in how to apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)? If you work in Massachusetts and need to take PFML for family or medical reasons, here's how you can begin your application. Visit: https://ow.ly/cGf950WjgEJ

Today marks the anniversary of when the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law. FMLA is the first and only national law that guarantees (some) workers in the U.S. unpaid time away from work to care for themselves and their loved ones, and has been an important step forward to help America’s workers meet the dual demands of work and family.

We're still fighting for a comprehensive paid leave policy that supports all families in their 1,000-day window! The evidence is clear ⬇️

02/05/2026

The shorter, darker days and lack of sunlight during the winter months feel long and tough to get through at times. Remember, taking care of your mental health is part of taking care of your family. It's okay to not be okay, you are not alone. Need additional support or someone to talk to? Talk to your WIC Nutritionist about mental health resources or get in touch with text or call-based support from the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline?

02/04/2026

WIC welcomes men! WIC recognizes the important role fathers, grandparents, stepparents, and other guardians play in caring for kids. Fathers and other caregivers of kids under 5 are encouraged to enroll and bring kids to their appointments, attend nutrition and health workshops and use WIC in the grocery stores!

02/03/2026

February is ! To help protect your child's teeth, gums, and oral development be sure to wean them from the bottle by about 15 months. Help them transition by offering water or milk in a small open cup that will help them learn to sip rather than suck! If you have questions about transitioning your baby from a bottle to a cup reach out to your WIC Nutritionist or click on the link below to learn more. https://ow.ly/fuEH50QFM3V

01/31/2026

Just like the New England Patriots build a winning team, at South Central WIC, we’re building a healthier community!🏆🏈Our success comes from supporting families with the right “playbook” for nutrition including:

🍎 Free, healthy food like fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, milk, eggs, whole grains and more using your WIC card.

🤱🏾 Personalized nutrition counseling and expert breastfeeding support from our dedicated staff!

📝 Referrals to essential services like medical care, housing and fuel assistance, childcare, adult education and job training and a whole lot more.

Together, we’re scoring big for health and well-being! Join our winning team today! Check your eligibility at mass.gov/wic

01/30/2026

Snow alert!❄️

As winter storms impact Massachusetts, make sure your kitchen is ready.

🥫 Stock Your Pantry: Use your WICShopper app to ensure you’ve used your monthly benefits on shelf-stable staples like peanut butter, canned veggies, and whole-grain pasta.

⚡️ Power Outage Tip: Keep your fridge closed! It can keep food safe for up to 4 hours, and a full freezer stays cold for up to 48 hours.

📲 Avoid the Rush: Check your benefit balance early so you don't have to brave the icy roads at the last minute!

☃️ Build a snowman or a snow fort, have a snowball fight, go sledding at a nearby park!

Stay safe and warm this season!🏠

01/28/2026

FYI!!!

Exciting updates are coming to your WIC benefits! 🍎🥦
Massachusetts WIC is updating our food packages to offer your family more variety and flexibility. With new whole grain choices, added canned fish, and more allergy-friendly options, we’re making it easier to eat healthy! Most families will see these changes after their first appointment scheduled between late January and April 2026. https://ow.ly/Se4s50Y0LB1
📲 Download or open the WICShopper App after your next visit to see your updated balance!

01/25/2026

⚠️Due to the impending storm and for the safety of all program participants and staff, the South Central WIC Program will be CLOSED for in-person services on Monday, January 26th. All appointments will be held over the phone. Stay safe and warm!☃️

01/23/2026

Worried about the rising cost of heat this winter? WIC can help! WIC families can get a 25% discount on their heating bills. Don’t miss out on these savings! To learn more about heating and other discounts you can get with your WIC card, visit http://ow.ly/PAHw50KQBZX

01/22/2026

Were you a member of the “clean plate club” growing up? Now we know that it’s normal for a child’s appetite to change from day to day - and it’s okay if they don’t clean their plate! Be sure to serve meals and snacks on child-sized plates and allow them to decide how much they want to eat. If you have concerns, reach out to your WIC Nutritionist or pediatrician.https://myplate-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/2022-04/TipSheet_16_HealthyEatingForPreschoolers.pdf

01/21/2026

It can be hard to burn off that extra energy when it’s too cold to go outside and play! Here are some ideas to keep little ones busy this winter.☃️