Under new income thresholds for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC, more families may qualify for food benefits in Alabama.

“WIC is here to help women, infants, and children in Alabama improve their overall health by providing nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support,” said Alabama WIC Director Pam Galloway.

“Food package changes will be rolled out later this year to provide participants with more choices and flexibility to help them meet their nutrition needs and food preferences.”

The Alabama Department of Public Health said in a recent release families at or below the following incomes are eligible for WIC if they include a woman who is pregnant, has had a baby within the past six months, is currently breastfeeding, or if you are the parent or guardian of a child up to age 5.

Additional family sizes are included on the WIC Program website.

“WIC participants may receive food benefits for each qualifying family member,” the release adds.

“Cash value benefits are available to purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, with each child receiving $26 a month, pregnant and postpartum women receiving $47 a month, and breastfeeding women receiving $52 a month.”

WIC participants are also eligible to receive free nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals, the release adds.

According to the release, WIC participants must have “both a limited income and a nutritional need.”

Families who receive Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) already meet the income qualifications for WIC.

Even families who do not qualify for these programs may be eligible for WIC because of WIC’s higher income limits, the release adds.

For more information, residents can visit the WIC Program website or call the statewide toll-free line at 1-888-942-4673 (1-888-WIC-HOPE).