WIC Program gets temporary boost

Monthly benefits for families participating in the Wyoming WIC Program, which is operated by the Wyoming Department of Health, will see a significant temporary boost over the next few months.

The Wyoming WIC Program—also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program—is a joint federal and state government effort under the United States Department of Agriculture which provides nutritious foods and education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals for income-eligible women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants and children up to age 5. All caregivers are welcome to receive help from the program including dads, foster parents, guardians, grandparents and step-parents.

Through September 30, the fruit and vegetable voucher included as one part of WIC benefits has been increased to $35 per month per participant from the standards $9 per month for children and $11 per month for women. The increase was included in the federal American Rescue Plan Act approved earlier this year.

Melissa Stehwien, WIC program manager with Wyoming Department of Health, said “Providing even more nutritious, delicious fruits and vegetables (fresh and frozen) during the peak growing season than we already offer can both promote healthier living and help to reduce food insecurity.”

Qualifying income guidelines for the program will also be updated July 1. Wyoming WIC serves families with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. New guidelines include:

•One person family: $23,828 per year or $1,986 per month

•Two person family: $32,227 per year or $2,686 per month

•Three person family: $40,626 per year or $3,386 per month

•Four person family: $49,025 per year or $4,086 per month

•Five person family: $57,424 per year or $4,786 per month

Families already using SNAP, TANF or Wyoming Medicaid benefits also qualify for WIC. There is no established limit to the number of eligible participants WIC can serve.

Stehwien said the new guidelines may help a few more families be eligible and encouraged people to apply as soon as possible. Wyoming residents can find out if they are eligible for WIC by going to signupwic.com.

“For families who participate in WIC, we offer healthy food as well as shopping ideas,” Stehwien said. “The support we can provide for new moms and families with young children can promote healthier starts.”

WIC clinic are located throughout the state and can be found by using the “Clinic Locator” online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/wic or by calling 1-888-996-9378 to be routed to a local clinic.