BILLINGS — Moms are being encouraged to consider enrolling in the WIC program as Montana families work to make ends meet through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to ensure Montana children and families don't go hungry.
Participants are given an EBT card to purchase cereal, juice, milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, whole-grain items including whole wheat pasta, dry or canned beans, yogurt, fruits and vegetables, baby food, infant cereal, and formula.
Pregnant women, new mothers, and those caring for young children could qualify for the program if they lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
The following guide is currently used to determine if a household qualifies for WIC:
Household Size/Household Income
- 1/ $23,107
- 2/ $31,284
- 3/ $39,461
- 4/ $47,638
- 5/ $55,815
For each additional family member, add $8,177.
The program is available to pregnant women, new moms up to six months after delivery, breastfeeding moms up to one year after delivery, infants, and children under the age of five.
Eligibility can now be determined over the phone by calling (406) 247-3370. The WIC staff can also be reached by emailing WIC@RiverstoneHealth.org.
“We’re finding that when families are able to be in their own home and visit with us over the phone, people do seem to be relaxed, and kind of willing to chat. Versus, you know, sometimes coming to the office can be a little bit more stressful for the families,” explained RiverStone Health WIC program coordinator Kate Monger.
“And so right now, it’s great to talk to the families in their home, in that really relaxed environment and we’re getting good participation rates, and less no shows and things like that.”
RiverStone Health WIC provides services in Yellowstone, Carbon, Musselshell, and Stillwater counties. WIC also provides breastfeeding support, nutrition information, and referrals to healthcare and other community resources.
