WIC Program, or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, began just over 50 years ago in response to concerns about malnutrition in low-income families, and the program and the technology used to implement it have changed since then.
WIC Program concerns about malnutrition in low-income families. (Photo: Westend61)
WIC Program is a nutrition assistance program for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to five who are at nutritional risk. The program provides access to items such as baby formula and fruits and vegetables, but only things in specific quantities are eligible, which leads to confusion for some.
Darigold, for example, recently changed their cardboard half-gallon milk cartons to 59 ounces, making them ineligible for purchase with WIC benefits.
However, in recent years, WIC Program recipients have had access to an app that can make their lives at the grocery store easier.
WIC Program concerns about malnutrition in low-income families. (Photo: Food Navigator Asia)
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However, in recent years, WIC Program recipients have had access to an app that can make their lives at the grocery store easier.
It is estimated that approximately 9,200 Montana families receive WIC benefits, with two-thirds using the app. On the other hand, the program hopes to raise the figure to 100% while potentially including grocery store employees.
WIC program eligibility is determined by four factors:
- Categorical (Based on pregnancy status and age of child) (Based on pregnancy status and age of child)
- Residential (Must be a resident of the state where applying for benefits).
- Income (Must meet income guidelines or be eligible to receive other benefits like SNAP, TANF, etc.)
- Nutritional Danger (Applicants must be seen by a health professional such as a physician, nurse, or nutritionist who must determine whether the individual is at nutrition risk.)
The WIC app aims to give beneficiaries more accessible access to the program.
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