Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced that increased benefits are now available through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Kevin Moore, acting WIC Director for DPHHS, stated, “We want to ensure that WIC recipients and those who are eligible, but not yet enrolled for the program, are aware that benefits increased in October.” He added that this is significant news as it will help families cope with rising food prices.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which funds WIC, has raised the monthly benefit amounts for purchasing fruits and vegetables. Families will now receive $25 per month for children up to age five, $44 for pregnant, postpartum, or partially breastfeeding individuals, and $49 for fully breastfeeding individuals. This adjustment represents an average increase of 37% in monthly benefits for Montana families.

This marks the first substantial increase in benefits since 2009. Whitney Fisher from Helena shared her positive experience with WIC: “When I was first enrolled in WIC, program staff helped ensure my family had necessary information... They just really helped relieve so much angst.”

In Montana, WIC operates through 29 local agencies and over 80 clinic sites across all counties and tribal reservations. Nearly 14,000 women, infants, and children are currently enrolled. The DPHHS encourages those who might be eligible to apply.

Eligibility criteria include being pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding or having a child under five years old. Participants must also meet income requirements or qualify for programs like Medicaid or SNAP. Detailed eligibility guidelines are available on the DPHHS website.

WIC was established in 1974 to support families during critical growth periods by providing access to nutritious food and other resources. Participation is voluntary and does not affect involvement in other assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid.