Eligibility For Federal Nutrition Program For Pregnant Women, Families With Young Children

Nutrition for Pregnant Women and Families

The Department of Health and Human Services announced new income guidelines for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program.

WIC is a federally funded public health nutrition program that provides families with nutritional education, breastfeeding support and education, funds for healthy foods as well as referrals to other health services. The Program offers these services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to the age of five years old.

"Healthy eating and proper nutrition play a critical role in the development of young children" said Mary Ann Cooney, Public Health Director. "We know that we are seeing increasing obesity and other health issues for children who have poor diets and who don't get enough physical activity. In addition to food, the WIC program also provides parents with individual counseling and recommendations on how to improve their own and their child's diet, as well as ideas on how to increase physical activity."

The new income guidelines are now up to $25,327 yearly for a family of two, up to $31,765 yearly for a family of three, and up to $38,203 yearly for a family of four. Income guidelines are 185% of annual poverty guidelines, and are based on gross family income. Starting in June, families enrolled in WIC will also receive free coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables to be redeemed at more than 50 farmers' markets in New Hampshire.

"Increasing one's daily consumption of fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to be healthy, and it promotes healthy nutrition habits for a lifetime," added Cooney. "Farmers' markets are a great way to get locally grown, inexpensive fruits and vegetables for pregnant women and young families. This is an exciting opportunity to improve the health of our residents."