Change Opens WIC Services to more W.Va. Families

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources says a program intended to keep mothers and their young children healthy has raised its income eligibility guidelines.

A family of four can earn $44,123 and still qualify for the Women, Infants and Children program, commonly known as WIC. That is an increase of $555 in the eligibility ceiling.

West Virginia's WIC program serves 70 percent of all babies born in West Virginia. Families enrolled in the program receive nutrition and breastfeeding education, healthy foods and access to health care services.

The department says the new eligibility guidelines will allow West Virginia to serve more families. Nearly 46,000 mothers and young children are already served monthly.