El Paso families who depend on the Women, Infants and Children program are adapting after the state rolled out new electronic benefit transfer cards July 1 and broadened options for remote appointments. Texas Health and Human Services said the changes aim to reduce transportation barriers and offer participants more flexibility in managing benefits through the myWIC app.
What changed and what remains in-person
State officials said many routine interactions — including benefit reloading, nutrition education and numerous food benefit adjustments — can now be done by phone or online. However, initial applications, reapplications and some health-related services still typically require an on-site visit for clinical checks and counseling.
- Now available remotely: benefit reloading, nutrition education and many food benefit changes.
- Typically in-person: initial application and reapplication visits for growth and iron checks, health history reviews, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding consultations.
"As a mom... I know how hard my job can be. If you have more kids, if you have a job or you're going to school... it'll be so much easier because your kids can stay home while you're just on the phone doing what you need to do," said El Paso mother Ashley Moore.
Local WIC participants and grocery workers say the change is already easing daily logistics. At Bryant's Market, an approved WIC vendor in El Paso, cashier and program participant Evelyn Acosta said staff have been helping customers activate new cards and set PINs. She described the earlier process of packing children and waiting for appointments as burdensome and welcomed the convenience of remote options.
Local consequences and practical concerns
For El Paso, where many households face transportation challenges and parents balance work, school and caregiving responsibilities, the ability to complete appointments remotely could increase program uptake and reduce missed follow-ups. Program staff at retail locations will play a critical role in smoothing the transition by helping customers with card activation and troubleshooting.
| Service | Remote? |
|---|---|
| Benefit reloading | Yes |
| Nutrition education | Yes |
| Initial application / reapplication | No (usually) |
| Growth, iron checks, breastfeeding consultations | No (usually) |
Officials also emphasize the myWIC app as a tool to manage benefits. During the rollout, common participant questions have focused on activating the new EBT card and selecting a PIN. Retail staff say most customers resolve those issues with assistance at checkout.
For county and state health officials, the changes represent a test in modernizing benefit delivery while preserving required clinical oversight. Observers will be watching whether remote options reduce missed appointments and improve continuity of nutrition services for infants and young children in the Borderland.
