COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released its 2017 WIC Income Guidelines. Effective July 1, the new income guidelines increase the income eligibility threshold so that more women, infants and children can receive healthy WIC foods. Now, a family of four can make an annual income up to $45,510 and qualify for WIC. This equates to an hourly wage of $21.87.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is encouraging pregnant andpost-partum women, breastfeeding women and families with children up to age five years to sign upfor WIC.
Val Newton, Personal Health & Disease Prevention Director for the Health Department,says “WIC food options are continually expanding. WIC participants may use their benefits to receivemilk, cheese, eggs, juices rich in Vitamin C, cereals rich in iron, and dry peas/beans or peanut butter,fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads/whole wheat pasta or tortillas and yogurt. All thesefoods are nutritious, rich in vitamins and minerals and are essential for growing bodies.”
According to the Health Department, studies have shown that families who participate in WIC can save anywhere between $30 to $112 in their monthly grocery bill by utilizing their benefits.
WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. It is a supplemental food and nutrition programoffered by the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency. The program is designed tocorrect or prevent poor nutrition in pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women, infants andchildren up to age 5 who are at risk for poor health.
