New WIC Income Guidelines Will Expand Support for Families

There is now increased assistance available for those who live paycheck to paycheck.

Beginning in April, households facing financial difficulties in Central California gained increased access to WIC benefits, which include nutritious food items as well as assistance with breastfeeding. This improvement is due to revised income criteria.

Expanding eligibility for participants is part of the WIC program’s efforts to tackle food insecurity and improve health outcomes for women, infants, and children, according to Denise Martinez, who serves as the Program Director at United Health Centers.

United Health Centers assists over 18,000 families across Fresno County through their WIC initiative. This provides numerous opportunities according to Martinez.

Martinez stated that they will also be able to utilize healthcare resources including medical, dental, vision, and mental health services, all of which are offered via United Health Centers' Integrated Care Model.

Martinez states that each year, the state revises its eligibility criteria to be consistent with the 185% poverty threshold.

Martinez stated that a family of four might be eligible for WIC if their annual income is roughly $60,000 or approximately $5,000 per month.

Individuals who meet the criteria encompass women who are expecting a baby, those currently nursing an infant, mothers who have given birth within the past half-year, individuals who have undergone a pregnancy loss in recent six months, as well as parents with children younger than five years old.

Newly pregnant individuals, migrant families, and working families are encouraged to apply," stated Martinez. "Dads, grandparents, and foster parents can also submit their applications.

Martinez further states that there are no waiting lists for those interested in applying and ensures equitable opportunities for all individuals.

To find out more information regarding the WIC Program at United Health Centers, please click. here .

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