More Indiana Families Eligible for WIC Program

More Indiana families may be eligible for nutrition benefits through the Indiana Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program under revised federal poverty guidelines that recently took effect.

Indiana WIC is a supplemental nutrition program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and managed by the Indiana State Department of Health. It provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support and nutrition education to pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers and children up to the age of 5 who are at health or nutritional risk and meet income guidelines. Indiana WIC helps provide healthy food to more than 143,000 eligible Hoosiers each month.

“WIC provides expectant mothers, infants and young children education and resources to develop healthy eating habits early in life,” said Indiana WIC Director Eldon Whetstone.  “We have implemented changes to our food package allowing clients more choices in the foods they purchase. We also are pursuing greater use of technology to improve the WIC experience.”

Income guidelines are based on gross pay and household size. A pregnant woman counts as two household members. Under the revised guidelines, a family of two making $30,044 a year can qualify for WIC benefits, while a family of four making $45,510 a year is eligible.

Individuals with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for WIC. Families who receive Medicaid or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) benefits already meet the income requirements. Families who do not qualify for these programs may be eligible for WIC because of its higher income limits. For a full list of guidelines by family size, visit http://www.in.gov/isdh/19695.htm.

Using WIC benefits is easy and convenient. All Indiana WIC participants now use an EBT card that allows them to purchase authorized foods anytime during their 30-day benefit cycle. For more information about Indiana WIC or to find a clinic, visit www.wic.in.gov or call (800) 522-0874.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.