WIC open to more people

New income guidelines for WIC — or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program — will allow for more people to use the service operated by the Wyoming Department of Health as a result of a joint federal and state government effort under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a July 1 press release from the department. 
Wyoming WIC provides nutritious foods and education, breast feeding support and health care referrals to income-eligible individuals who are pregnant or postpartum. The program includes services for pregnant women, as well as the family and/or caregivers of infants and children up to age 5. 
“One thing I love about the WIC program is that it is a great way for moms (and other caregivers) to be able to know how their children are doing,” said Connie James, Weston County clinic supervisor. “We monitor their weight, height, eating and development, and if anyone needs referrals, we can get them to the right people.”
She noted that she really enjoys the ability to interact with the children and their families through her work. 
“I think moms (caregivers) want to do what is best for their kids, but there is a lot of information out there. We can be the people that can provide the up-to-date information that can be helpful,” James said. 
The local WIC office serves 150 people in both Weston and Crook counties. 
“For families who participate in WIC, we offer support that can really make a difference for new moms and families with young children,” said Tina Fearneyhough, Wyoming WIC Program Manager, in the press release. “It’s been shown time and again that WIC is effective at improving the health of pregnant women, new mothers and their young children.” 
One key feature of the program, the release says, is a benefit card that allows participants to save money at local stores when they purchase nutritious food for their family members. Some WIC families also receive benefits for infant formula. 
“While supply challenges continue to affect formula availability, especially for specialty formulas certain babies need for health issues, we are seeing an improving situation,” Fearneyhough said. “Our program has added temporary flexibility to help Wyoming WIC families meet their formula needs until things get back to normal.” 
Wyoming families with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty guidelines qualify for WIC services. These income guidelines (see sidebar) range from $25,142 a year or $2,096 a month for individuals to $60,070 a year or $5,006 for a family of five. 
Families using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)  or Wyoming Medicaid benefits also qualify for WIC services. All caregivers — including fathers, foster parents, guardians, grandparents and step-parents — are eligible for services.
 
WIC Program Income Eligibility*
 
1 person family: 
$25,142/year or $2,096/month
2 person family: 
$33,874/year or $2,823/month
3 person family: 
$42,606/year or $3,551/month
4 person family: 
$51,338/year or $4,279/month
5 person family: 
$60,070/year or $5,006/month
 
*Maximum level of income allowed to receive WIC Services.