Two comprehensive reviews of the research literature catalogued the findings on WIC’s effectiveness through 2010.

Over more than four decades, researchers have investigated WIC’s effects on key measures of child health such as birth weight, infant mortality, diet quality and nutrient intake, initiation and duration of breastfeeding, cognitive development and learning, immunization, use of health services, and childhood anemia. To simplify program administration, an applicant who already receives SNAP (formerly food stamps), Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash assistance is automatically considered income-eligible.

For a family to participate, it must have gross income of no more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level (now $40,182 for a family of three) and be at nutritional risk. Part of the nation’s nutrition safety net for over 45 years, WIC now serves over 6 million pregnant and post-partum women, infants, and children through their fifth birthday. WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and social services for millions of low-income families, and it plays a crucial role in improving lifetime health for women, their infants, and young children. This effort is designed to inform discussions about new investments in anti-poverty programs as well as reforms of, and funding levels for, existing programs. We synthesize and amplify the work of poverty researchers around the country on program effectiveness. If you get food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, or cash assistance (TANF), you’re automatically financially eligible for WIC.As part of Policy Futures, we examine “what works” when it comes to federal and state policies and programs to reduce poverty and promote opportunity for low-income Americans. If you know you’re having more than one baby, count each one as a household member.

A pregnant woman counts as two (or more) household members. You can see a health professional for free at a local WIC clinic.Ĥ) Financial: Your household needs to make less than the amounts listed in the income limit table below to qualify for WIC. Moms have to be pregnant, up to six months past pregnancy, or up to your baby’s first birthday if you’re breastfeeding.Ĭhildren are eligible up to their fifth birthday.įoster parents, guardians and single fathers who have custody of their children are also eligible.Ģ) Residential: You need to live in the state where you’re applying.ģ) Nutritional: A health professional needs to determine if you are at “nutrition risk.” This might mean you have a medical condition like anemia, or a diet that could be healthier. There are four kinds of eligibility for WIC:ġ) Categorical: you need to be a mom, child, or have custody of a child. Here’s an overview of WIC eligibility, but the best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.

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