LANSING (WWJ) – More Michigan families may now be eligible for food assistance as officials increased the guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
State officials announced Thursday the federal income guidelines for WIC have gone up, reflecting “a significant increase,” starting June 1.
“This is good news for Michiganders as more families may now be eligible for this important program that provides valuable nutritional education and healthy foods,” said WIC Director Christina Herring.
Under the new guidelines, a family of four may qualify for WIC with an annual income of up to $55,500. That’s an 8.1% increase – over $4,000 more – compared to last year.
WIC is open to participants with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level.
Updated income guidelines by family size are as follows:
*Each expected infant counts as one in the family size.
*For additional family sizes, please visit the Michigan WIC Income Guidelines.
Individuals who are pregnant or have had a baby within the past six month; are currently breastfeeding; or are the parent or guardian of a child up to age 5, are encouraged to contact their local county health department or WIC agency to apply.
Families who receive Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families already meet the income qualifications for WIC. But families who do not qualify for these programs may still be eligible for WIC due to the higher income limits.
WIC is a federally funded United States Department of Agriculture program administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, serving low and moderate income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
WIC provides nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding promotion and support and referrals to health care.
For more information, visit the Women, Infants & Children website. Contact WIC by calling 800-942-1636 or via email at michiganwic@michigan.gov.
Related
