MONTGOMERY-Alabama families may qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC. If you are a woman who is pregnant, just had a baby within the past six months, who is breastfeeding or who is the parent or guardian of a child up to age 5, you are encouraged to apply for WIC at your local county health department.
Participants in the program receive free nutrition education and breastfeeding peer counseling support. In addition, participants have the option to receive up to three months of food benefits at a time for each qualified family member. Food benefits are redeemable at WIC authorized stores throughout Alabama.
Under the 2016 federal poverty guidelines, more families may be eligible for the program. WIC is open to participants with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Check the table below to see whether your family qualifies:
Family Size Annual Income Weekly Income
1 $21,978 $423
2 $29,637 $570
3 $37,296 $718
4 $44,955 $865
5 $52,614 $1,012
WIC participants must have both a limited income and a nutritional need. Families who receive Medicaid, SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, or Family Assistance, formerly known as TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) already meet the income qualifications for WIC. Even families who do not qualify for these programs may be eligible for WIC because of its higher income limits.
Amanda Martin, WIC director, Alabama Department of Public Health, said, “We encourage prenatal nutrition for healthy birth outcomes. Nutrition is also a focus for infants and children to ensure healthy growth and development. Healthy food choices made by parents help children develop healthy eating habits for life.”
For more information please go to www.adph.org/wic or call the statewide toll-free line at 1-888-942-4673.
Media Release/ADPH/Mandy J. Darlington, (334) 206-2930
