Idaho WIC program changes start Oct. 1

Published Oct. 1, 2009

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Beginning Oct. 1, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program will begin transitioning to a new Idaho Authorized Food List.

The transition period, which lasts until Jan. 4, 2010, may be difficult for cashiers and WIC customers, but Idaho WIC will be lenient with respect to the current and new food lists according to WIC representatives.

After Jan. 4, 2010, only items on the new Idaho Authorized Food List will be valid.

New food items include baby fruits and vegetable 4-ounce jars, baby meats in 2.5-ounce jars, whole grain bread, soft corn tortillas, fresh fruits and vegetable and salmon.

WIC, a federally funded nutrition program, helps women and children who meet income guidelines by issuing checks to buy healthy, supplemental foods; nutrition education; help finding healthcare and other community services; and breastfeeding information and support.

To qualify for Idaho WIC, women must be residents of Idaho; qualify financially; be pregnant, breastfeeding an infant under one year of age or have just had a baby; or be an infant or child under the age of five.

For more information on the new authorized food list or to see if you qualify, visit www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov