June
17, 2005
Little Rock
-
The
Arkansas WIC Program has announced that income
guidelines for the program have been raised.
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:
The
income guidelines have been raised to $1978 a month for
a family of two, $2984 for a family of four, or $3989
for a family of six.
“Many women and children from working families
in
Arkansas
are
eligible,” said Marcell Jones, WIC Work Unit Leader.
“We now serve an average of over 85,000
participants every month.
This increase in the income guidelines will make
even more women, infants, 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.”
One
of the nutrition issues addressed by WIC is childhood
obesity, a major focus of the Healthy Arkansas
Initiative. “WIC
has an opportunity to make an impact on this health
concern that has swept the country.” 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.
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