Higher Incomes Eligible for Nutrition Assistance

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program will have higher income limits beginning May 1st. The federally-funded program limits are upped annually to adjust for inflation, but Allegheny County Health Department spokesman Guillermo Cole says this year's increase may be a little higher than normal due to the rapidly rising cost of food and fuel. After May 1st, a family of 4 with an annual gross income of $45,880 or less is eligible. Unborn children are included. Women and children must meet nutritional risk requirements as well, determined by a physician. Cole says the program, in existence in Allegheny County since the 1970's, has a proven success, with heavier newborns and healthier children.