A change in income guidelines means more people may be eligible for food assistance in Alabama.

The changes involve the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC. The program covers pregnant women, a woman who has had a baby within the past six months or are currently breastfeeding or if you are the parent or a guardian of a child up to age 5.

Benefits are available for each qualifying family member and can be used to purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, with each child receiving $25 a month, pregnant and postpartum women receiving $44 a month and breastfeeding month receiving $49 a month.

WIC is open to participants with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level.

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Qualifications are:

• Family of 2 – Annual income up to $36,482; $702 weekly income
• Family of 3 – Annual income up to $45,991; $885 weekly income
• Family of 4 – Annual income up to $55,500; $1,068 weekly income
• Family of 5 – Annual income up to $65,009; $1,251 weekly income
• Family of 6 – Annual income up to $74,518; $1,434 weekly income

For more information, go to alabamapublichealth.gov/wic or call the statewide toll-free line at 1-888-942-4673 (1-888-WIC-HOPE).