Chickasaw Nation WIC client Amanda Stinson uses her new online WIC EBT card Monday, Oct. 25 at a Homeland store in Ardmore, Okla. PHOTO BY MARCY A. GRAYThe Oklahoman reports that the tribe is the first agency in Oklahoma to offer such a service for those who use the WIC program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The cards work like debit cards.

Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby says the electronic cards help streamline the process for parents and caregivers who use the program. Proponents of the cards say they will eliminate the stigma of using WIC checks or vouchers and speed up the checkout process.

The tribe developed the card system with the help of global financial services firm J.P. Morgan and technology-based solutions provider CSC.