Program Overview
Description
The program's complete name is Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC helps lower-income women (pregnant, breastfeeding and those who recently had a baby) and infants and children (up to age 5) who are at nutritional health risk. WIC benefits include:
- Nutrition evaluation, learning and guidance to improve eating behavior;
- Access to health care programs plus referral to private and public health care providers; and
- Supplemental, highly nutritious foods such as iron-fortified cereal, milk, eggs, peanut butter and dried beans.
Eligibility
To qualify for WIC benefits, a person must be either:
* A pregnant woman,* A breastfeeding woman,
* A woman who recently had a baby,
* An infant, birth to 12 months, or
* A child, up to age 5 years.
- Determined by a health professional to be at nutritional or medical risk,
- Below 185% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, and
- Reside in Montana.
Income example: A family/household of 4 whose annual income is equal to or less than $ 38,203 is income eligible.
WIC in Montana
The Montana WIC Program has the following characteristics:
- The average monthly caseload in FFY 2003 was 21,106 (4,837 women, 4,824 infants and 11,445 children).
- There are estimated to be approximately 31,746 potential women, infants and children statewide.
- Approximately 66.48% of the potentially eligible are served.
- It is 100% federally funded.
- As of October 1, 2006, there are 28 local agencies providing WIC services in all 56 counties and 7 reservations through 100 service sites.
- Over 225 grocery stores and pharmacies accept WIC checks statewide.
Authority
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) manages an annual WIC grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture through state rules (ARM (37.59.101-402). Federal WIC regulations are published in 7 CFR 246. Public Law 108-265, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, (amended June 30, 2004) authorizes WIC.
Effectiveness
Here are several facts known about participants in the WIC Program.
- Pregnancy results are improved.
- Fewer low birth weight babies are born.
- Diets are improved.
- Late fetal deaths are reduced.
- Children are better immunized.
- Children do better on vocabulary scores.
- Rates of anemia are reduced.
Savings
Participation in WIC can lower Medicaid costs for mothers, newborns and the government. WIC children are better immunized and more likely to have a regular source of health care.
Contact
Joan Bowsher, Montana WIC Program Director
406-444-4747 (voice)
800-433-4298 (voice in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, Nevada, Colorado, Washington only)
406-444-0239 (fax)
jbowsher@mt.gov
Mailing Address
Nutrition Section/WIC Program
DPHHS Family and Community Health Bureau
Cogswell Building C305
PO Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951
