Many people are familiar with WIC, which is a program designed to supplement food security for families with small children.  The program provides needed nutritional resources throughout the year.  WIC has recently increased its qualifying thresholds, keeping pace with the cost of living and inflation.  A press release sent out through Southeast Idaho Public Health includes a table with the new qualifying income amounts. 

Idaho’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will implement new income guidelines effective July 1, 2024, that raise household income eligibility limits to help offset cost of living increases. This review and adjustment happen annually.  

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 based on 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 $47,767 annually; under the old guidelines a family of three could have earned up to $45,991 annually.  

If you or a family member are in the categories served by WIC and currently receive Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or CHIP, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC.  

WIC Income Eligibility 

Guidelines

Effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025

Number of Household
Members* 

1

2

3

4

5

More than 5

Maximum Annual Gross Household
Income

$27,861

$37,814

$47,767

$57,720

$67,673

Call the local WIC clinic

*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 $67 of healthy foods per month.

Participation in WIC results in greater nutrition for Idaho families and additional profit for Idaho grocers that accept WIC transactions.  There are currently approximately 31,000 people per month receiving Idaho WIC assistance.

To apply for WIC or get more information, go to www.siphidaho.org or call Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 208-233-9080.