COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Some blame it on the drought in western states. Others point to the bird flu hitting the poultry industry. Still, others speculate it has to do with recent increases in the minimum wage. Regardless of the reasons, food prices are high and are expected to increase. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the average monthly cost of feeding a family of four to be between $568 to over $1,100 per month, depending on how thrifty or liberal the family shops.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency in Coldwater says that’s why the WIC Program is so important. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children and is a supplemental food subsidy and nutrition education program which the agency says helps families with young children get the healthy foods they need. WIC is free and can provide over $40 dollars of healthy food per month for every member of a young family on a budget.
According to Kim Wilhelm, Prevention Services Director for the tri-county health department, as of May 15th, the WIC income requirements were expanded and even more people are eligible for the benefits and they’re encouraging them to apply. It’s for pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to the age of 5 years old that is funded by the USDA.
WIC pays for milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healthy foods and to learn if your family is eligible for the services, call the county health department office or visit their website at www.bhsj.org.
