Little Rock—One of Arkansas' most successful health programs is now going to be able to serve even more people. The Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as the WIC Program, is serving almost 80,000 people each month. New income guidelines promise to raise that figure by several thousand participants according to Mac Heird, director of the WIC Program.

The new guidelines provide that a family of two with an income of $1,790 per month is income eligible for WIC. The income limit for a family of four is $2,722 per month. These income limits are based on gross income, not take home pay. "Under these guidelines, more women and children in Arkansas are income eligible for WIC services. We are especially interested in reaching working women and their children who qualify for WIC," states Heird. "Many people think the WIC Program is just for people who don't have a job, and this is not true."

The eligibility requirements for WIC are that pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under age five live in Arkansas, meet income guidelines and have a nutritional need. This is determined by a health professional in the local Health Unit and can include such conditions as anemia, being underweight, number and frequency of pregnancies, medical disorders which may respond to diet, and current inadequate eating patterns.

"For child bearing women, infants and children under five years of age, this is one of the most important programs available. They will be healthier if they learn about nutrition and then eat the foods best for the growing years," says Dr. Fay Boozman, director of the Arkansas Department of Health.

Foods such as juice, milk, cereal, cheese, eggs, and dried beans or peas are provided to eligible women and children. WIC provides nutrition education and help for mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding mothers may also receive carrots and tuna as well as more milk and cheese. Babies who are not breastfeeding receive formula, infant cereal and juice. The food is purchased in local grocery stores using special WIC checks. WIC also encourages women to seek early prenatal care and can assist them in finding other services.

Studies have shown that pregnant women who participate in WIC are much more likely to have healthy babies than women not receiving WIC benefits. WIC participants are less likely to have low birthweight and premature babies, and healthier babies save the State money by reducing Medicaid costs. Children on WIC are more likely to eat foods that meet recommendations for daily vitamins, minerals and protein, to have appropriate iron levels, and are less likely to be anemic.

The Health Department provides WIC services free to participants. Contact the county Health Unit or call 1-800-235-0002 for more information.

WIC is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service and is administered by the Arkansas Department of Health. WIC is an equal opportunity provider.

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