Pima Countyβs WIC program is helping local families amid the coronavirus pandemic.Β
The Women, Infants and Children Program , offered through the Pima County Health Department, provides healthy food, nutrition tips, breastfeeding support and helps guide families toward other resources in the community.Β
"The layoffs and business closures that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic likely means more people are WIC-eligible," a press release from Pima County says.
WIC can help families with children up to five years old, in addition to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women whose pregnancy ended less than six months ago can also get assistance.Β
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Other factors for eligibility include: Receiving AHCCCS and SNAP benefits, earning less than 185 percent of poverty guidelines, and fostering children. Β
The program is discouraging in-person visit to their clinics, but can provide services over the phone, including pre-screening applicants.
"Weβre here to help people meet the nutritional needs for their family," program manager Jennifer Chancay said in a news release. "This is a difficult and scary time for many people. If youβre in need, or suddenly have a change in your familyβs financial situation, please call us. We often have same-day appointments, and can get you quickly on the path for some relief."
Anyone seeking more information can call 724-7777 in Pima County or the statewide line: 800-252-5942 .
Photos for April 1: Tucson gets by during Coronavirus Pandemic
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
A dinosaur statue over the doors of MATS Dojo at 5929 E. 22nd St., sports an athletic cup for a face mask in the second week of COVID-19 restrictions, March 31, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
A pair of protestors use their car to block west bound traffic on Silverlake to let other protestors make the left turn in into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex during a vehicle based demonstration by #FreeThemAll for the release of prisoners in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, March 31, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
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Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Raj Paudel hands a bag of food to a customer at Govinda's to-go-tent located at 711 E. Blacklidge Drive, on April 1, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
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May 21, 2024
The biggest hit to employment in Arizona came in the leisure and hospitality industry β hotels, bars, restaurants and places of amusement β which alone shed 5,200 jobs.
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May 21, 2024
John Aldecoa tapes up a banner outside his restaurant, Brother John's, as he and his staff get ready to serve again after being closed since the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place two weeks ago, April 1, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
Michael Olivas, right, helps Arnold Vizcaino, City of Tucson Parks and Recreation employees, lock up swings at Gene C. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, in Tucson, Ariz., on April 1, 2020. The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation employees are going around to all Tucson parks to close all ramadas, gazebos, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, all sports courts and fields, horseshoe pits and splash pads due Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Caution tape across an entrance on a playground at Gene C. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, in Tucson, Ariz., on April 1, 2020. City of Tucson Parks and Recreation employees are closing all ramadas, gazebos, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, sports courts and more due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
A "CLOSED' sign and caution tape is placed around a ramada at Gene C. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, in Tucson, Ariz., on April 1, 2020. The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation employees are going around to all Tucson parks to close all ramadas, gazebos, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, all sports courts and fields, horseshoe pits and splash pads due Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Vanessa Richards, 18, left, and Ella Dotson, 17, adjust their mortar boards and hair in the window of a building along Scott Ave. in downtown Tucson on March 31, 2020. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the rest of the school year has been canceled. Richards and Dotson are seniors at Marana High School and will not have a formal graduation ceremony. The pair came to downtown to get photos of themselves in their caps and gowns.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Vanessa Richards, 18, left, and Ella Dotson, 17, take a selfie as their friend, Camilla Hamilton, 17, gets her photo taken by Vanessaβs mother, Chrissi, along Scott Ave. in downtown Tucson on March 31, 2020. Due to the coronavirus, the rest of the school year has been canceled. The Marana High School seniors went downtown to get photos of themselves in their caps and gowns.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Georgia Goodwin, volunteer, sews masks for hospital workers and the community at Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum, 5701 E. Speedway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 30, 2020. Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum have made roughly 2,000 masks, due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), in one week for local hospitals in Southern Arizona.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
Along with other volunteers and employees, Paula Sanford, center, volunteer, sews masks for hospital workers and the community at Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum, 5701 E. Speedway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 30, 2020. Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum have made roughly 2,000 masks, due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), in one week for local hospitals in Southern Arizona.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
Andy Cathey, Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum employee, sews masks for hospital workers and the community at Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum, 5701 E. Speedway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 30, 2020. Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum have made roughly 2,000 masks, due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), in one week for local hospitals in Southern Arizona.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
Andy Cathey, Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum employee, sews masks for hospital workers and the community at Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum, 5701 E. Speedway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 30, 2020. Cathey's Sewing and Vacuum have made roughly 2,000 masks, due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), in one week for local hospitals in Southern Arizona.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
Rudy Arriaga, far left, and his mother, Dale, chat with Damian Velez, far right, general manager and Joseph Ashbacher before leaving with their takeout order at Bianchi's Italian Restaurant, 3640 W. Tangerine Road, in Marana, Ariz. on March 30, 2020. The Marana location will closed due to a drop in business.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
A man wearing personal protective equipment works out at FitCore at Morris K Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 29, 2020.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Ruby Boulet-Stephenson waters the family's new backyard garden, on March 27, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Roccos Little Chicago Pizzeria sports the phrase "Eat the Rich" on its marquee, on March 31, 2020. The local pizza spot is currently closed due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
A pedestrian crosses Church Avenue near the Historic Pima County Courthouse in a nearly-empty downtown Tucson during the coronavirus pandemic in spring 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
A bank customer wears gloves while at a drive up ATM at Chase Bank, 8701 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 29, 2020.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
While traveling through Tucson, Canadians Lauri Buchanan and her husband Brian Buchanan, left, eat lunch with their friends Rhonda McDonald and her husband Pat McDonald, right, from Wyoming, outside of Whataburger, 6504 E. 22nd St., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 30, 2020. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan and Mr. and Mrs. McDonald were eating outside due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
David Cardinal, a sales associate at The Hub, works with a customer at the gun store located at 1400 S Alvernon Way, on March 28, 2020. The store saw an increase in customers during the last few weeks.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
An employee at The Hub, a gun store located at 1400 S Alvernon Way, works with a customer on March 28, 2020. The store saw an increase in customers during the last few weeks.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
Cassie Phelps, food service employee for Tucson Unified School District, hands two students lunches and breakfast at Harold Steel Elementary School, 700 S. Sarnoff Dr., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 31, 2020. TUSD is offering lunches and breakfast for students due to schools being canceled because of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
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May 21, 2024
Jolene Luquin, teaching assistant for Tucson Unified School District, organizes educational packets for a parent at Harold Steel Elementary School, 700 S. Sarnoff Dr., in Tucson, Ariz., on March 31, 2020. The educational packets, for grades K-12, include the curriculum for all classes from science to math to history and others. It allows the students, parents and teachers to keep learning despite not being in the classroom, according to Karla Escamilla, TUSD public information officer. TUSD plans to have most of the paperwork online in the next couple of weeks, said Escamilla, as well as issue laptops to students who don't have access to a computer. TUSD is issuing these packets and online school due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
After more than a week in isolation, Tami and Tedd Handy get the chance to dance as Mama Coal, Carra Stasney and Tim O'Connor give a street concert on Placita de Zacatal in the Casas Adobes neighborhood, Saturday, March 28, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, coronavirus
Updated
May 21, 2024
Mama Coal, Carra Stasney and Tim O'Connor take to the great outdoors along Moonshroud Dr., in Catalina Shadows, Saturday, March 28, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Contact reporter Gloria Knott at gknott@tucson.com or 573-4235. On Twitter: @gloriaeknott