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May 12,
2008
Little Rock --The Arkansas WIC Program has announced that income guidelines for the WIC Program have been increased. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides nutrition education, supplemental foods, support for breastfeeding mothers, and referrals to other services to eligible participants. Women who are pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding and infants and children under age five may be eligible if:
- they live in Arkansas,
- are income eligible,
- and are nutritionally eligible
The income guidelines have been raised to $2,159 a month for a family of two, $3,269 for a family of four, or $4,379 for a family of six. “Many women and children from working families in Arkansas are eligible,” said Marcell Jones, Nutrition/WIC Branch Associate Chief. “We now serve approximately 86,000 mothers and their infants and children every month. We encourage anyone who might be eligible to apply. WIC helps prevent health problems in infants and children through good nutrition. The earlier a pregnant woman enrolls in the program, the more that improved nutrition can do for her baby. The breastfeeding support that we offer includes a special food package, counseling and access to a help line, and a breast pump if needed. This support can make a big difference in a baby’s health and development.”
Educating mothers on issues about child feeding and nutrition is a major focus of WIC. “WIC has an opportunity to make an impact on those health concerns, “said Susan Handford, Nutrition Coordinator. “We serve most of the state’s infants, young children and their mothers. Our breastfeeding support, education about food selection and better ways to present nutritious food to children, and encouragement of active lifestyles can all contribute toward a decrease in obesity and related health problems.”
WIC is available in all county health units and there is no charge to eligible applicants. For more information, contact your local health unit or call 1-800-235-0002.WIC is an equal opportunity provider.
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