Supplemental nutrition can help provide a good foundation for children’s growth and medical health. One of the primary federal programs that helps ensure the nutritional needs of children and pregnant women are being met is called WIC (Women, Infants and Children). For low-income families, WIC can provide food vouchers, nutritional counseling and training, breastfeeding support and health care referrals. If you are a resident of Missouri and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for WIC assistance at one of the numerous health clinics across the state.

The state of Missouri manages the federal WIC program for its qualified residents.

Who is Eligible for WIC assistance?

1. Pregnant Women
2. Mothers nursing a baby less than a year old
3. Mothers who gave birth in the last 6 months
4. Children under 5 years of age http://www.dhss.mo.gov/WICFamilies/apply.html

What are the Qualifications?

1. Make below the Missouri WIC Income Caps:
   1. Family Size of 1: $20,036 annually, $1,670 monthly and $386 weekly
   2. Family Size of 2: $26,955 annually, $2,247 monthly and $519 weekly
   3. Family Size of 3: $33,874 annually, $2,823 monthly and $652 weekly
   4. Family Size of 4: $40,793 annually, $3,400 monthly and $785 weekly http://www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/eligibility_income.html
2. Be a resident of Missouri
3. Have Nutritional Risk Factors:
   1. Women:
      1. Low Weight Gain, High weight Gain or Weight loss for Pregnant Women
      2. Underweight or Overweight
      3. Pregnancy related conditions
      4. Low birth weight history
      5. Young pregnancy age
      6. Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Neonatal Loss History
      7. Closely Spaced Pregnancy
      8. Multiples pregnancy
      9. Low Hemoglobin
      10. High level of Lead in the blood
      11. Not meeting dietary guides
      12. Homelessness
      13. Breastfeeding complications
   2. Children and Infants
      1. Slow growth
      2. Low birth weight
      3. Small head circumference
      4. Failure to thrive
      5. Overweight risk
      6. Conditions caused by nutrition
      7. Other issued deemed nutritional risk factors by WIC agents http://www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/eligibility_risk_factors.html

Visit your local http://www.dhss.mo.gov/wic/WICAgencies_Map.html health department in Missouri if you believe you meet the eligibility requirements for WIC assistance.

Take the following with you to when you apply for WIC:

1. Pregnancy Proof like a doctor’s note
2. Proof of your income or proof of unemployment
3. Proof of your Missouri residence. You can use rent payment proof, driver’s license or mortgage document,
4. Yourself and all eligible children. You must apply in person.

The standard application process includes filling out required paperwork, meeting with a WIC agent for approval, having physical measurements taken, blood work, and a meeting with a nutritionist. After you have been formally approved for WIC services, you will receive supplies and WIC food vouchers.

WIC vouchers are typically given for a month at a time. Typically, you will be able to pick up a new supply every month as long as you are still eligible. Depending on your classification, you and your children will need to be recertified at specified intervals.

WIC Vouchers are only given for specific foods and supplements, and are customized for each person based on need. Infants receive formula and may receive juice and cereal depending on age. Children and women are usually given eggs, cheese, milk, cereal, fruit juice, peas, beans and peanut butter. Breastfeeding mothers may also get carrots and tuna. http://www.dhss.mo.gov/WICFamilies/FAQFamilies.html#4

Take advantage of nutrition classes, exercise classes and referral services that can help your family thrive.