Updated income guidelines expand eligibility for WIC

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Free nutritious foods and education, breastfeeding support and health care referrals are offered to thousands of families across the state by the Wyoming WIC Program, operated by the Wyoming Department of Health.

The Wyoming WIC Program features free, easy-to-use benefit cards participants can take to local stores to get nutritious foods at no cost. Some WIC families also are eligible for infant formula benefits. WIC is aimed at helping women who are pregnant or new moms, infants and children up to age 5.

Tina Fearneyhough, WIC program manager with WDH, said in a news release: “We know WIC services can significantly improve participant health while also helping people feed their families during a key period of child development.”

Wyoming WIC serves families with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines. Qualifying income guidelines for WIC have been updated effective Monday:

. 1 person family — $27,861/year or $2,322/ month

. 2 person family — $37,814/year or $3,152/ month

. 3 person family — $47,767/year or $3,981/ month

. 4 person family — $57,720/year or $4,810/ month

. 5 person family — $67,673/year or $5,640/ month

Families already using SNAP, TANF or Wyoming Medicaid benefits also qualify for WIC.

“Our income guidelines are adjusted each year. Our new guidelines may help a few more families to be eligible for WIC benefits,” Fearneyhough said.

Wyoming residents can apply for WIC benefits at tinyurl.com/wyo-wic. WIC is not just for moms; all caregivers of young children are welcome to apply, including dads, foster parents, guardians, grandparents and stepparents.

WIC clinics are located throughout the state and can be found by using the “Clinic Locator” online at tinyurl.com/clinic-locator or by calling 888-996-9378.

This story was published on June 28, 2024.