The Howell County Health Department has announced the release of updated income guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly known as WIC.
The new guidelines are based on 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, which are adjusted annually before June by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be Missouri residents, meet the designated income guidelines and be at nutritional risk. Individuals already participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA) and most MO HealthNet programs automatically meet the income eligibility requirements for WIC benefits.
The WIC program provides essential nutrition services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their fifth birthday. Participants receive access to healthy, supplemental food; nutrition risk assessments, education and counseling; breastfeeding promotion and support; and screenings and referrals to other health care services.
The updated income guidelines are based on a household's gross, pre-tax income, and a pregnant woman may be counted as two family members when determining household size. Under the new limits, a one-person household can earn up to $29,526 annually to qualify. The maximum annual income limit increases to $40,034 for a family of two, $50,542 for a family of three and $61,050 for a family of four. A complete list of income limits for larger families can be viewed online at WIC.Mo.Gov.
In Howell County, the WIC program is administered by the health department. Those interested in applying or seeking more information can visit the department at 180 Kentucky St. in West Plains or call 417-256-7078.
The department also offers two additional monthly WIC clinics in the county from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:
- On the first Wednesday of the month at the Willow Springs Wesley Methodist Church, 311 N. Harris St., in Willow Springs.
- On the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Mountain View Christian Church, 1505 State Route 17, in Mountain View.
WIC is an equal opportunity provider.
