WIC Program Offers Nutritional Assistance to Eligible Families in New Hanover County

The WIC program provides supplemental nutritional assistance to eligible families in North Carolina. To be eligible, individuals must be pregnant, breastfeeding, have had a baby in the last 12 months, be an infant, or a child up to the fifth birthday, reside in NC, meet income eligibility requirements, and have an identified nutritional risk. The program offers access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. Applications can be made by calling 910-798-3500, emailing wichealth@nhcgov.com, or visiting the New Hanover County Health and Human Services website.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in North Carolina provides essential nutritional assistance to eligible families. This program is designed to support the health and development of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children up to five years old. To qualify, individuals must meet specific criteria, including income eligibility and nutritional risk.

Eligibility for the WIC program in North Carolina includes:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers up to one year postpartum
- Women who have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Infants under one year old
- Children up to five years old

Income eligibility is based on the federal poverty level. For the fiscal year 2025-2026, the maximum income limits for a family of four are $59,478 annually, $4,957 monthly, and $1,144 weekly [1]. The program also considers the nutritional risk of the family, which is assessed by a health professional during the application process.

Benefits of the WIC program include:
- Access to nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support and counseling
- Healthcare referrals

To apply for the WIC program in North Carolina, interested individuals can contact the New Hanover County Health and Human Services by calling 910-798-3500, emailing wichealth@nhcgov.com, or visiting the New Hanover County Health and Human Services website.

References:
[1] https://www.propel.app/wic/who-is-eligible-for-wic-qualifying-for-wic/