WIC nutrition program announces guidelines
WIC, the federally funded Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children, has announced eligibility guidelines for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
To be eligible for WIC, participants must be a pregnant, postpartum or breast-feeding woman, an infant, or a child under the age of 5. In 2001, the participant’s pre-tax household income may be no more than $306 per week for an individual; $414 for a family of two; $521 for a family of three; $628 for a family of four; and $736 for a family of five. Each additional family member adds $108 to the allowable family maximum.
WIC participants must meet additional requirements as determined by a WIC health professional. Participants in the Food Stamp Program, AFDC and Medicaid may also be eligible for WIC.
The program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age or disability. In Monmouth and Middlesex counties, WIC services are provided by Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey. For more information on registering for WIC, call (800) 762-6140.
The WIC program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breast-feeding consultation and other health services. WIC employees travel to neighborhoods in the two-county area on a regular schedule to provide vouchers for nutritious foods available at local supermarkets and stores.
WIC participants also receive health evaluation and an assessment of dietary intake; a nutrition evaluation and prescription for a WIC food package; counseling on breast-feeding; instructions on using WIC checks in supermarkets; and referrals to other programs for which clients may be eligible, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, immunizations, and educational and counseling services.