By Rikki RogersTags:   Posted in: Case Study, Insights

Helping Maryland Families Access WIC

Helping WIC Reach More Families in Maryland

Challenge

Maryland WIC offers an array of online self-service options for families through its Participant Mobile App, but found that many participants were unable to access the app for a variety of reasons—incompatible operating systems, limited storage on their devices, etc. The agency wanted to offer an alternative solution that would help new and existing participants easily apply for services, access information, and manage appointments.

Solution

Voyatek’s WIC team partnered with Maryland to design and deploy a web-based, mobile-friendly Client Portal that can be used from any device with internet access. New participants can visit the portal to see if they’re eligible for WIC, create an account, upload verification documents, and schedule their first appointment without needing to download an application or interact with WIC staff. Existing participants can log in to the portal with the same credentials they use for the mobile app, ensuring a seamless customer experience across platforms.

Maryland WIC spread the word about the new client portal through local agency and Maryland Stakeholder newsletters and social media ads. Plus, we partnered with them to train WIC staff on the portal and its features, so they could encourage existing participants to try it out.

“We have many families that have phones that don’t allow them to access the Maryland WIC app for various reasons. The portal has made the accessibility for these families much better, as they can partake in classes and view benefits in real time just like those who can download the app are able to.”

– Local WIC Agency Staff Member

Outcomes

To date, 2,250 new families—who had never previously participated in WIC—successfully registered through the Client Portal, scheduled and attended their initial certification appointments, and received WIC benefits.

“The Maryland WIC Client Portal made my life so much easier. I can handle everything from my phone—uploading documents, checking appointments, and getting updates. As a busy mom, that kind of convenience means everything.”

– Local WIC Participant