Many Northern Kentucky families are eligible for benefits through the federal Women, Infants and Children program, commonly known as WIC, but don’t realize that they qualify. Under new guidelines, which are effective through March 2016, a family of four with an annual household income of $44,863 or less would be eligible for WIC. Complete guidelines for a variety of family sizes, with salary rates by the week, month or annually, can be found here.
WIC provides specific nutritious foods along with nutrition and breastfeeding education to the participant at no cost. It is available for income eligible and nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to 5 years old. Persons who receive Medicaid or food stamps are automatically eligible for WIC.
“For more than 40 years, Northern Kentucky families have gotten assistance in purchasing healthy foods and valuable nutrition education through WIC,” said Dr. Lynne M. Saddler, District Director of Health. “The WIC Program is a proven tool to improve both the health and nutrition status of women, infants and children.”
WIC services are offered at the Health Department’s four county health centers, with locations in Covington, Florence, Newport and Williamstown. More than 40 Northern Kentucky retailers accept WIC, using an Electronic Benefits Transfer card system. In a typical year, approximately $6.5 million of WIC benefits are redeemed in Northern Kentucky stores.
For more information on WIC in Northern Kentucky, including eligibility requirements, click here or call the Health Department at (859) 341-4264.
From the Northern Kentucky Health Department