WIC announces updates to food packages

submitted by Carter County Public Health

Carter County Public Health recently announced updates to the WIC food packages beginning January 1, 2025, reflecting updated nutrition guidelines. The USDA sets food packages and available food items, but states are given time to implement locally and adapt to meet local needs.

"The biggest change is the increase to whole grains, which is substantial for pregnant and breastfeeding moms, and in an increase in access to fish for most people receiving WIC," said Kirstie Nelson, RN. "These changes will help families get the nutrition they need."

There are nine categories for WIC food packages– child, pregnant, fully breastfeeding, substantially breastfeeding, pregnant with multiples, partially breastfeeding or postpartum, fully breastfeeding 6+ months, substantially/partially/or non-breastfeeding 6+ months, and fully breastfeeding multiples. Each category has individualized benefits based on nutritional needs. Changes to note include increases in whole grains and fish for most categories and a slight decrease in access to milk and juice. There are no changes to the fresh fruits and vegetables. To see the complete list of updates, request list at Carter County Public Health.

"We want families to be aware of these changes as they plan out their grocery needs and family budgets," said Kirstie Nelson, RN. "The WIC App will help families track what they are eligible for each month in 2025. If anyone has any questions, we encourage them to contact us so we can help."

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of WIC. WIC is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provides food support for Montana families. One item in the food package is a dollar amount for fresh vegetables and fruits. The amounts are $26 per month for children up to age five, $47 for those pregnant, postpartum, or partially breastfeeding, and $52 for those fully breastfeeding. Other WIC benefits include nutrition counseling, lactation experts, baby food, breastfeeding education and pumps, access to trained staff, and other resources and referrals.

WIC eligibility requires participants to be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child younger than five. Participants must make less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Traditional Best Beginnings, or a free/reduced school meal program. WIC is a voluntary program, and participation does not interfere with SNAP or Medicaid.

WIC in Montana includes 33 local agencies and over 80 clinic sites serving all 56 counties and six tribal reservations. Almost 14,000 women, infants, and children are enrolled, which is about 10,000 Montana households. However, only 47% of eligible families are enrolled.

The local WIC office is located at 106 East Park Street, Suite 1229 in Medical Facility. Office hours are Monday- Thursday 9am to 5 pm. If families need help enrolling in WIC or accessing their benefits, they can contact the Carter County Public Health at 406-775-6332.