TORRINGTON (WNE) — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has announced it updated income guidelines in hopes of helping more families become eligible for the Wyoming Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. 

A relatively new — but key — feature of the WIC program is it now gives participants benefits cards that participants can use at local grocery stores to save money buying program approved nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. Additionally, some WIC participants can qualify for infant formula benefits. 

“While supply challenges continue to affect formula availability, especially for the specialty formulas certain babies need for health issues, we are seeing an improving situation,” WIC Program Manager Tina Fearneyhough said in a press release. “Our program has added temporary flexibility to help Wyoming WIC families meet their formula needs until things get back to normal.” 

Qualifying yearly income guidelines for WIC in Wyoming for the next year includes: $25,142 for a family of one (or $2,096 a month); $33,874 for a family of two (or $2,823 a month); $42,606 for a family of three (or $3,551 a month); $51,338 for a family of four (or $4,279 a month); and $60,070 for a family of five (or $5,006 a month). 

“Families already using SNAP, TANF or Wyoming Medicaid benefits also qualify for WIC,” wrote WDH Public Information Officer Kim Deti. “All caregivers are welcome to receive help from the program, including dads, foster parents, guardians, grandparents and step-parents. There is no established limit to the number of eligible participants WIC can serve.” 

Wyomingites who may be eligible may apply for WIC by visiting www.health.wyo.gov and locating the nearest WIC clinic using the locator tool or by calling 1-888-996-9378.