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WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a supplemental food program designed to help meet the nutritional needs of those most at risk, Mothers and Children. To qualify you be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of 5 who may be at nutritional risk. Nutrition risk is defined for WIC as the following
*Medically based; under or overweight, History of complicated or poor pregnancy outcomes.

*Dietary risks such as inappropriate nutrition practices.

The 2007-2008 income guidelines for WIC are as follows for the 48 contiguous states, Guam and territories. (Alaska and Hawaii start at a bit higher amount)
According to the WIC guidlines, the following is the income limit for ONE person;
$18,889 Annually (add $6438 for each additional family member)
$1575 Monthly (add $537 for each additional family member)
$788 Twice Monthly (add $269 for each additional family member)
$727 Bi-weekly (add $249 for each additional family member)
$364 Weekly. (add $124 for each additional family member.
For example, if you are pregnant, and have a child under 5, you could earn up to $15,327 a year(18,889 + 6438) and still qualify for WIC

For complete information on qualifying and other WIC questions please visit: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ho wtoapply/incomeguidelines07-08 .htm. There is a lot of helpful information there.

How the WIC program works; Once you are enrolled in WIC you will have regularly scheduled appointments at which you will receive vouchers, or checks to be redeemed at various grocery stores. The following foods may be included in those vouchers depending on your needs and circumstances; Iron fortified formula, infant cereal, fruit or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried eggs, tuna fish and carrots. In special cases other foods may be added.

Pregnant or breast feeding women who have a nutritional risk receive highest priority in acceptance into WIC. Children with various risks follow in priority. Most people who are on food stamps and apply for WIC are accepted. Homeless people DO qualify, in most cases, for WIC.

When you make your first appointment, the operator will give you information on what to bring. Normally this will include pay stubs, a telephone or electric bill, and proof of identification. It is not difficult signing up for WIC and I would encourage anyone who is within the guidelines to apply.

The WIC website is http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/ I would encourage you to call your local office, or talk with your Doctor about WIC. Most Doctors offices have the local WIC numbers available.

Learn more about this author, Veronica Bright.
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