Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors
- Agency
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
- Type
- Federal Program
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
- Households with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information, and support, as well as assists in finding healthcare and other community services.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information, and support, as well as assists in finding healthcare and other community services.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women, infants, or children under age five and must be resident of the state where applying.
Application Process
Applications must be made through a local WIC agency. Contact your local agency to schedule an appointment.
Required Documents
Proof of income, proof of residence, identification, and proof of pregnancy if applicable.
Images & PDFs
Colorado WIC Program Policies & Procedures
A guide on the policies and procedures for the Colorado WIC Program, aimed at supporting women, infants, and children with nutritional assistance.
View Full ImageFFY 2019 Colorado WIC Program Policies and Procedures
A detailed guide outlining the policies and procedures of the Colorado WIC program, focusing on support for women, infants, and children with nutritional assistance.
View Full ImageFFY 2019 Colorado WIC Program Policies: Retailer Handbook
A handbook aimed at retailers participating in the WIC program, providing guidelines for accepting WIC benefits and supporting families in need.
View Full ImageLinking Infants & Families Supports (LIFTS) - Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
A flyer offering free support and information for parents and children through Healthy Montana Families, promoting growth, learning, and family thriving.
View Full ImageProgram Timeline
American Rescue Plan Act - WIC Funding
12/27/2021The American Rescue Plan provided additional funding for WIC to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on nutrition services.
Increase in WIC Funding
10/1/2004Federal funding for the WIC program was increased to address rising food costs and enhance service provision.
WIC Reauthorization Act
8/22/1996The WIC Reauthorization Act of 1996 reinforced and reauthorized funding for the WIC program for another five years.
Expansion of WIC Services
1/1/1989The WIC program was expanded to include a wider array of health services and nutritional education for mothers and their children.
WIC Program Established
6/17/1972The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was established to provide nutritional support and education.
FAQ
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a federal assistance program designed to provide nutritional support, health education, and access to healthcare services for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children up to the age of five. WIC aims to promote healthy eating habits and ensure the well-being of both mothers and their children.
Reference: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
To be eligible for WIC in Montana, applicants must meet the following criteria: be a resident of Montana, meet certain income guidelines, and be pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or have a child under the age of five. Eligibility is also determined by nutritional risk as assessed by a healthcare professional.
To determine your eligibility for the WIC program, consider the following checklist:
- Are you a resident of Montana?
- Is your household income at or below the WIC income guidelines?
- Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or do you have a child under five?
- Have you been assessed for nutritional risk by a healthcare professional?
If you can answer 'yes' to all these items, you may be eligible for WIC.
If you are interested in applying for WIC, please follow these action items:
- Gather proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease).
- Collect income documentation (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns).
- Make an appointment with a local WIC clinic for a nutritional assessment.
- Complete the WIC application process during your appointment.
Completing these steps will help ensure that you receive the support you need through WIC.
Reference: https://dphhs.mt.gov/wic
Eligibility requirements are subject to change, and it is advisable to consult with local WIC offices for the most current information.
