New York State Department of Health Spanish Speaking Virtual WIC Assistant Expands Access to Nutrition Services

Spanish-Speaking 'Wanda' Shows Success Since January Launch

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 26, 2024) – Spanish-speaking "Wanda," an expansion of the New York State Department of Health's virtual assistant, which launched in January 2024, successfully helps people learn about and easily connect to the New York State Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

"The Department is happy that Spanish-speaking 'Wanda' has given even more New Yorkers access to the many benefits of New York's WIC program," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "We remain committed to promoting nutrition security and equitable health for children and adults across this state."

Spanish-speaking Wanda has shown accomplishments including:

  • Over 800 Spanish referrals sent to over 100 unique WIC offices in January and February.
  • 26 percent of referrals to WIC local agencies from January to February were from Spanish Wanda.
  • 32 percent increase in total referrals in January and February over November and December.

Wanda offers a quick and easy online chat where people can check their eligibility for the WIC Program and request a referral to the WIC office of their choice. Since launching in April 2021, more than 28,000 individuals have completed the virtual experience resulting in roughly 26,500 referrals to WIC local offices around the state. Referrals now specify Spanish or English to help ensure subsequent services are provided in a person's preferred language.

The Department aims to provide greater and more equitable access to WIC through the Spanish-speaking Wanda, particularly for traditionally underserved communities.

The New York State WIC Program provides breastfeeding support, nutrition education, referrals to other services, and nutritious foods to approximately 425,000 women, infants, and children each month. Participation in WIC has been associated with healthier births, improved birth weights, reduced risk of infant mortality, and better access to primary and preventive health care, among other positive health outcomes.

Learn more about the WIC program in New York State here and chat with Wanda in English or Spanish by clicking on her picture in the lower right corner of the web page.