WIC eligibility changes

The income guidelines have changed to determine eligibility for the Women, Infants and Children program.

The federal program provides nutrition and valuable information about nutrition and healthy lifestyles to young families. People who are eligible for the program include women who are pregnant, breast-feeding a baby or have just had a baby, and children up to the age of 5.

Participation in WIC is separate from all other programs, and being a participant in WIC doesn't affect someone's participation in other programs.

The local WIC office is located in the basement of the Hill County Courthouse. The number is 265-5481, ext. 206.

The new income guidelines are:

A family of one $1,365 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $16,391,

A family of two $1,840 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $22,089,

A family of three $2,315 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $27,787,

A family of four $2,790 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $33,485,

A family of five $3,265 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $39,183,

A family of six $3,740 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $44,881,

A family of seven $4,214 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $50,579,

A family of eight $4,689 monthly gross or a yearly gross of $56,277.

For additional family members, add $5,698 to the yearly gross.

Studies have shown that pregnant women who participate in WIC seek earlier prenatal care. Also, WIC's supplemental foods help women consume more key nutrients such as protein, vitamin C, iron and calcium.

Children who have been in WIC show improved iron levels, better vocabularies and have improved access to regular health care.