Statewide Iowa — A change in the federal poverty level for the fiscal year 2018-2019 means more northwest Iowans are eligible for the Women, Infants, and Children or “WIC” Program.
Families with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for WIC. The annual change in the federal poverty level, effective July first, changes the guidelines for WIC as well.
WIC Program officials say WIC can provide nutritious foods such as milk, eggs, cereal, juice, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula at no cost for families with pregnant women or young children. They also receive nutrition advice from registered dietitians and nurses, breastfeeding support and information, and referrals for health care. They tell us that many working families participate in WIC. Those on Medicaid or those meeting the income guidelines are income eligible.
The guidelines are slightly higher for 2018-2019 than they were for 2017-2018. For instance, a family unit with one member can make up to $22,459 and still qualify. Last year it was $22,311 — an increase of a little more than half a percent, or $148. For a family of five, they can make up to $54,427. That’s up from $53,243 last year — an increase of $1,184 or 2.2 percent.
WIC officials ask that if know anyone who is pregnant, recently had a baby, or has a child under age 5, that you tell them about WIC. For more information or to sign up, you can call 1-800-532-1579 or visit www.signupwic.com.
