May
29, 2007
Little Rock
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The Arkansas WIC Program has announced that income guidelines for the WIC Program have been increased. WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) provides food, nutrition education, 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 $2,111 a month for a family of two, $3,184 for a family of four, or $4,257 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 84,000 mothers and their infants and children every month. This increase in the income guidelines will make even more women and children eligible.”
“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 improved nutrition can do for her baby. The breastfeeding support – a special food package, counseling and access to a help line, and breast pumps if needed – can make a big difference in a baby’s health and development.”
Educating mothers on issues on child feeding and nutrition is a major focus of WIC. “WIC has an opportunity to make an impact on this health concern. “ 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 is free 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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