What is WIC?
by: Adapted from materials from the Wyoming Dept. of Health
What is WIC? The basics
WIC is short for Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC is a program for three kinds of people:
- Women who are pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months after giving birth), and breastfeeding,
- Infants up to one year old, and
- Children up to five years old.
People who are in WIC receive these benefits:
- Health screening,
- Medical and social service referrals,
- Breastfeeding support,
- Packages of healthy foods, and
- Nutrition counseling and education.
Who can get WIC?
People who get WIC must meet four requirements:
1. Only women, infants, and children listed above can get WIC.
2. You must be a resident of Wyoming.
3. You must have a "nutrition risk." This means you have a health problem related to nutrition. Problems like these include being underweight or having anemia (you don't have enough red blood cells). Another risk is having a poor diet. A doctor, nurse, or dietition will decide if you have a risk.
4. Your household's income must meet the guidelines on the chart below.
| Household size |
Gross household income (before taxes) |
| 1 |
$1,476/month |
| 2 |
1,978 |
| 3 |
2,481 |
| 4 |
2,984 |
| 5 |
3,486 |
| 6 |
3,989 |
| 7 |
4,491 |
| 8 |
4,994 |
| Each additional members |
Add $503 |
*these numbers change on July 1, 2006.
How do I apply?
The program is run by the Wyoming Department of Health.
You can call 1-800-994-4769 to get started.
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