Income guidelines to apply for WIC program change 05.01.2023

May 1, 2023

Income guidelines to apply for WIC program change

MOBILE, Alabama — Income Eligibility Guidelines for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) special supplemental nutrition program will be updated as of today. The income eligibility guidelines are used by state agencies — such as the Alabama Department of Public Health — in determining the income eligibility of persons applying to participate in the WIC program.

Alabama’s income guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC have increased and additional people may qualify. If you are a woman who is pregnant, has had a baby within the past six months, or are currently breastfeeding; or if you are the parent or guardian of a child up to age 5, you are encouraged to contact the Mobile County Health Department to apply.

WIC participants may receive food benefits for each qualifying family member. Increased cash value benefits are available to purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, with each child receiving $25 a month, pregnant and postpartum women receiving $44 a month, and breastfeeding women receiving $49 a month. In addition to nutritious food benefits, WIC participants receive free nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. Alabama’s WIC Program provides electronic food benefits, making the shopping experience easier.

Under the 2023 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:

* For a pregnant woman, count each unborn baby in the family size.

To be eligible for WIC, one must be a pregnant woman, breastfeeding woman, postpartum woman, or a child less than 5 years of age. Pregnant women and children 1 to 5 years old may get yogurt, milk, eggs, cheese, juice, cereal, whole grains, beans or peanut butter, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Breastfeeding women may get all these foods plus canned tuna or salmon and extra milk, cheese, and eggs. Infants may get infant formula if not fully breastfed and infant cereal, fruits, and vegetables after 6 months of age.

MCHD’s Office of Nutrition Services manages the local WIC program. A monthly average of 10,546 participants received WIC food instruments during the Fiscal Year 2022. To qualify for WIC, a person must meet income guidelines, be a resident of Alabama, and have been seen by a health professional at the WIC clinic. For more information, visit https://mchd.org/wic or call 251-690-8829.

Additional information on WIC is available from the MCHD smartphone application. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or visit the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603.