MCHD to again host in-person breastfeeding support groups

June 1, 2022

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.

Participants in the program receive free nutrition education and breastfeeding peer counseling support. Food benefits are redeemable at WIC-authorized stores throughout Alabama and are issued through electronic food benefits statewide.

WIC participants must have both limited income and nutritional needs. Families who receive Medicaid, SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps), or Family Assistance (formerly known as TANF or 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.

Under the latest 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. In addition, if you or another member of your family has lost income because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may also be eligible for WIC. Check the table below to see whether your family qualifies:

* 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.

The Mobile County Health Department’s Office of Nutrition Services manages the local WIC program. A monthly average of 11,272 participants received WIC food instruments during the Fiscal Year 2021.

To qualify, a person must meet the income guidelines, be a resident of Alabama, and have been seen by a health professional at the WIC clinic. For more information, call 251-690-8829 or visit https://mchd.org/wic.