The Grundy County Health Department has announced updated income eligibility guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, reflecting annual adjustments made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The revised guidelines are based on 185% of the federal poverty guidelines and determine eligibility for Missouri residents seeking WIC benefits.

WIC provides nutrition services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children through age 5. Program services include healthy supplemental foods, nutrition risk assessments, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, as well as health screenings and referrals to medical and other community services.

To qualify for WIC, applicants must live in Missouri, meet income guidelines and be determined to be at nutritional risk. Individuals who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance or most Missouri HealthNet programs are automatically considered income-eligible for WIC.

The published income limits are based on gross (pre-tax) household income. Pregnant women may count as two family members when determining eligibility.

Under the updated guidelines, annual income limits are:

Household of one: $29,526

The health department noted that complete income guidelines for larger family sizes are available through the Missouri WIC program.

WIC services in Grundy County are administered by the Grundy County Health Department, located at 1716 Lincoln in Trenton. Clinics are available by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to apply for WIC benefits, contact the Grundy County Health Department at (660) 359-4196.