For Immediate Release:
May 13, 2009

Contact:
Kit Wagar
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

State health department announces new income guidelines for WIC program

New income guidelines for participation in the nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children have been adopted by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The program, commonly known as WIC, seeks to improve the health of low- and moderate-income families by providing access to nutritious foods and helping to develop healthy habits. The program is provided at no cost to eligible mothers, babies and children.

WIC also provides information about healthy eating, nutrition and breast-feeding and refers participants to other health-related services.

The program is limited to families with incomes of up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level, which is adjusted annually based on the cost of the living. Families must also meet other eligibility guidelines to participate.

The income limits are based on family size. To be eligible for the WIC program, the family’s maximum income cannot exceed the following amounts:

Missouri residents can find out if they qualify for the program by making an appointment at a local WIC office. Local offices throughout Missouri can be found at www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/locations.html or in the phone book under county services.

During the appointment, applicants need to provide family income information and proof of residency and identity. They also need to answer questions about past and current health, have their height and weight taken, have a finger-stick blood test done (except for babies up to 9 months old), and talk with a health professional about nutrition education and health needs. If eligible, families will receive vouchers to buy specified food items at authorized grocery stores.

The program, formally known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information, contact a local WIC provider or visit the state health department’s WIC Web site at www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/index.html.

WIC is an equal opportunity program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.