Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Nutrition Services has announced updated income eligibility guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Effective from April 15, 2024, these new guidelines permit a family of four with an annual income of $57,720 to qualify for WIC benefits. This represents an increase of $2,220 from the previous year, reflecting adjustments made to accommodate inflation.

"Our goal is to provide nutritional services and information that help keep West Virginia families healthy," stated Heidi Staats, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services. "Currently, West Virginia WIC serves more than 37,000 mothers and young children monthly. With the expanded income guidelines, we can serve more families."

West Virginia WIC currently supports 70% of all babies born in the state. Families enrolled in the program receive nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, and access to maternal, prenatal, and pediatric health care services that may not be otherwise available.

According to projections from the Office of Nutrition Services, up to 18,130 residents qualify for West Virginia WIC but are not participating. The program encourages fathers, mothers, grandparents, foster parents or any legal guardian of a child under five to apply.

For more information about West Virginia WIC services or application procedures, individuals are advised to contact their local West Virginia WIC clinic or the Office of Nutrition Services. Those interested in public health careers can visit dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx.