Income eligibility guidelines for the North Dakota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, have increased based on changes in the federal poverty levels.
The change increases the amount of income families can earn and still qualify for the federally funded health and nutrition program. A family of four can now earn up to $4,810 each month and qualify. That is an increase of $185. WIC income eligibility guidelines vary by household size and are online at hhs.nd.gov/food-programs/WIC/eligible.
As the nation’s most successful public health nutrition program, WIC has been providing healthy food, nutrition education and community support for 50 years. During the last federal fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2023, the WIC program assisted 16,200 North Dakotans, including 4,722 infants.
WIC has improved children’s health, growth, and development by providing nutritious foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, whole grains and cereals, eggs, cheese, yogurt, 100% fruit juices, peanut butter and beans. WIC also supports breastfeeding. Infants who are not breastfeeding receive iron-fortified formula, and older infants receive baby food.
“Helping keep families healthy is WIC’s main goal,” said Amanda Varriano, WIC program director with North Dakota Health and Human Services. “WIC provides mothers and young children with access to healthy foods while offering breastfeeding support, trusted health information and referrals to other beneficial services supporting health and well-being.”
Individuals who are pregnant, have a new baby, or have children under age 5 may qualify for WIC if they meet income guidelines. WIC is available to working and non-working families. Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants are automatically income-eligible.
To find out more about WIC, visit hhs.nd.gov/food-programs/WIC. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.