Idaho CareLine
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WIC is a nutrition education program that provides growth and health assessments, referrals to community resources and breastfeeding support. WIC also provides nutritious foods that include fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains that build positive eating habits which can be established and reinforced from the start. There is no cost to eligible families.
To be eligible for the WIC program, an individual must be a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a woman who has recently been pregnant, or an infant or child younger than 5 years old. In addition, the individual must live in Idaho, have a need that can be helped by WIC foods and nutrition counseling, and have a low-to-moderate income.
To be eligible on the basis of income, an applicant’s gross income (e.g., before taxes are withheld) must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, under the new guidelines a family of three can earn up to $45,991 annually.
Total Number of Household Members* |
Maximum Annual Gross Household Income |
1234More than 5 |
$26,973$36,482$45,991$55,500Add $9,509/year for each additional person. |
*One pregnant woman counts as two household members.
WIC provides nutritious supplemental foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, beans and peanut butter at no cost to qualified families. WIC services also include health screenings, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding information and support, help from registered dietitians, and referrals to other services.
The average Idahoan enrolled in WIC receives approximately $57 of healthy foods per month, a $12 increase from the previous year due to a federal boost to the monthly benefit for fresh fruits and vegetables. The result is greater nutrition for Idaho families and additional profit for Idaho grocers that accept WIC transactions. There are currently approximately 30,000 people per month receiving Idaho WIC assistance.
If you meet the above qualifications, please visit or call the nearest WIC office (see below for locations) for an appointment. We will provide you with a list of items to bring to your first appointment.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full nondiscrimination statement and information to file a complaint, click here.