Like Missouri, the number of Texas County residents relying on the WIC program to provide them with basics like milks, eggs and butter is increasing.
In October, 773 persons received WIC services, up from 651 at the same time last year. That’s about a 19 percent increase. It represents about $400,000 annually being pumped into the county’s economy. Statewide, 142,000 were served.
The WIC program – or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children – serves those with household incomes below 185 percent of the poverty level. In Texas County, a family of four qualifies if the annual income does not exceed $38,203.
Glenn Studebaker, WIC communications and planning coordinator for Missouri, says the price of basic goods, like milk, may be fueling the increase in participants. “It is our opinion that it is the milk prices that are influencing this,” he said.
Texas County Health Department signed a contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to continue to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2008. Under the terms of the current contract, the health department will be able to serve 698 eligible persons each month.
“Even though we are seeing more than our contracted caseload, people are still encouraged to apply as there is no limit at this time on the number we can enroll as long as they meet the income and health risk eligibility guidelines,” said Cheryl Nelson, WIC program coordinator for the health department.
The WIC program is designed to prescribe and pay for nutritious foods to supplement the diets of WIC participants who are infants up to age one, children up to age 5 or women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who delivered a baby within the last six months.
WIC supplemental food packages are specifically chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, hot or cold cereals high in iron, fruit juices high in vitamins C and dried beans or peas. Although the WIC program recommends breastfeeding, infants receive supplemental iron fortified formula when needed and infant cereal and juice at the appropriate age. Participants are issued checks to buy these foods at authorized local retail stores.
Persons who feel they may be eligible under the criteria and who also meet the income guidelines can make an appointment by contacting the Texas County Health Department at 417-967-4269 or 967-4131. Information can also be obtained at http://texas.lphamo.org. WIC program services are offered at health department in Houston in addition to satellite clinics in Cabool, Licking and Summersville. The Cabool office will be relocating to the Cabool YMCA, 600 Cedar Avenue, in January. A notice will be published in the Herald.