Changes Coming for WIC Income Eligibility

Take heart; if you've recently applied for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Special Supplementation Nutrition Program and were ineligible due to income, change is coming. As of July 1, 2011, income eligibility guidelines will change.

As ordered in the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, income requirements must be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. If you don't currently financially qualify, but meet the other WIC program requirements, the changes in the income guidelines may benefit you.

As a further guideline, income requirements for WIC must match that of a household that meets school reduced-price lunches. Participation in other governmental benefit programs such as Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are automatically income eligible for WIC services.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC's stated mission: "To safeguard the health of low-income women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating and referrals to health care."

Those that are eligible for services include: pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers, postpartum mothers, infants and children up to age 5 years.

In addition to income guidelines, eligibility is based on nutrition risk. Factors considered to determine nutrition risk include the presence of anemia, being underweight, being overweight or inappropriate nutrition practices. A Health professional such as a nutritionist or nurse will provide the nutrition risk assessment.

WIC, a Far-Reaching Program

WIC officials estimate that 45 percent of all newborn infants in America benefit from WIC services. More than nine million people used WIC services in 2009. There are WIC programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Indian Tribal Organizations, American Samoa and the Commonwealth Islands of the Northern Marianas.

WIC Benefits

Participants in the WIC program receive either food packages or vouchers for certain types of food that provide the nutrients that research has shown is inadequate in low income diets such as protein, vitamin C and calcium.
For infants whose mothers choose not to breastfeed, infant formula is available at reduced prices.

Each state contracts with a formula manufacturer to buy its product in bulk. The manufacturer then gives back a certain amount, or a rebate, to WIC. Food Service & Nutrition reports that the rebates are an important component of the program: one in four people served by WIC receive services through money obtained via the rebate program.

To apply for WIC benefits, visit USDA.gov.

Sources:

TMCNet.com; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program; March 24, 2011

FedProgramSearch.com; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

Food & Nutrition Service: About WIC

Food & Nutrition Service: WIC Fact Sheet