The amount of benefits you receive through the WIC program in Ohio depends on your household size, income, and nutritional needs. For instance, a pregnant woman with no other children in the household can receive up to $49 per month for food benefits. A family of four with two children under the age of five can receive up to $92 per month. The benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and eggs. WIC also provides nutrition education and counseling to help participants make healthier choices.
WIC Program Benefits in Ohio
The WIC program in Ohio provides healthy food and nutrition support to eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. The program offers a variety of benefits to help families improve their nutritional status and overall health.
- Supplemental food: WIC provides vouchers for healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, whole grains, iron-fortified cereal, and peanut butter.
- Nutrition education: WIC participants receive nutrition counseling and education from registered dietitians or other qualified professionals.
- Breastfeeding support: WIC provides breastfeeding support and counseling to help women establish and maintain breastfeeding.
- Health screenings: WIC participants can receive free health screenings for iron deficiency, anemia, lead, and growth disorders.
WIC Food Packages
The specific foods and quantities included in WIC food packages vary depending on the participant’s age, nutritional status, and other factors. However, all WIC food packages include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk
- Whole grains
- Iron-fortified cereal
- Peanut butter
Additional Support
In addition to the core benefits listed above, the WIC program in Ohio may also provide access to other support services, such as:
- Immunizations
- Dental care
- Smoking cessation programs
Table: WIC Food Package Values
| Participant | Monthly Food Package Value |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women | $49/month |
| Postpartum women | $49/month for up to 6 months |
| Breastfeeding women | $49/month for up to 12 months |
| Infants 0-6 months | $43/month |
| Infants 7-12 months | $40/month |
| Children 1-2 years | $37/month |
| Children 3-4 years | $34/month |
| Children 5 years | $31/month |
Income Guidelines for WIC in Ohio
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. Eligibility for WIC is based on income and nutritional risk.
To be eligible for WIC in Ohio, your household income must be at or below the following levels:
- For a household of 1, the income limit is $24,938 per year.
- For a household of 2, the income limit is $33,346 per year.
- For a household of 3, the income limit is $41,754 per year.
- For a household of 4, the income limit is $50,162 per year.
- For each additional person in the household, add $8,408 to the income limit.
You may also be eligible for WIC if you are a migrant farmworker or if you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
If you think you may be eligible for WIC, you can apply at any local WIC clinic. To find a WIC clinic near you, visit the Ohio Department of Health website at https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/find-us/wic-local-agencies.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,938 |
| 2 | $33,346 |
| 3 | $41,754 |
| 4 | $50,162 |
| Each additional person | $8,408 |
Eligible Food Items for WIC Recipients in Ohio
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.
- Milk: Whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and nonfat milk, as well as lactose-free and goat’s milk.
- Cheese: Cheddar, American, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and provolone.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt, flavored yogurt, and Greek yogurt.
- Eggs: Whole eggs.
- Whole grains: Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa.
- Fruits: Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits, as well as 100% fruit juice.
- Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas.
- Peanut butter: Smooth or chunky peanut butter.
- Canned fish: Tuna, salmon, and sardines.
- Infant formula: Iron-fortified infant formula.
| Age | Milk | Whole Grains | Fruits & Vegetables |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Breast milk or infant formula | N/A | N/A |
| 6-12 months | Breast milk or infant formula | 1 serving | 2 servings |
| 12-24 months | Whole milk | 2 servings | 3 servings |
| 2-5 years | Whole milk or reduced-fat milk | 3 servings | 4 servings |
What is WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides nutrition education, supplemental foods, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
Eligibility for WIC in Ohio
To be eligible for WIC in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman
- Be an infant or child under the age of 5
- Meet the income guidelines
- Live in Ohio
The income guidelines for WIC in Ohio are as follows:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,291 |
| 2 | $3,088 |
| 3 | $3,885 |
| 4 | $4,681 |
| 5 | $5,478 |
| 6 | $6,274 |
| 7 | $7,071 |
| 8 | $7,867 |
How to Apply for WIC in Ohio
To apply for WIC in Ohio, you can either visit your local WIC office or apply online. To apply online, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website.
When you apply for WIC, you will need to provide the following information:
- Proof of income
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency
- Proof of pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A child’s birth certificate or Medicaid card
Once you have applied for WIC, you will be scheduled for an appointment to meet with a WIC staff member. At your appointment, you will be weighed and measured, and you will receive nutrition education and counseling. You will also receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized grocery stores.
WIC benefits are available for up to 6 months for pregnant women, up to 12 months for breastfeeding women, and up to 5 years for children. You can renew your WIC benefits every 6 months.
Alright folks, that’s all we have for you today on the topic of WIC benefits in Ohio. We hope you found this information helpful and informative. Remember, the amount of benefits you receive may vary based on your household size and income. If you have any further questions or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local WIC office or visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website. Thanks for reading, and we’ll catch you next time with more updates and useful content!