Income guidelines have changed for the WIC program, which supports pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture adjusts the income requirements of the program every year to match 185% of the federally determined poverty level. Rhonda Buntrock is the South Dakota WIC Program manager and says the guideline changes made this year expand the eligibility within the state.

The goal of the WIC program is to offer education on healthy eating, nutrition and breastfeeding, and helps improve overall healthy by providing support to purchase nutritious foods to supplement the diets of mothers and their children. Buntrock says even though the income guidelines have changed to allow more women and children into the program, she doesn’t expect the overall number of enrollments to change much, because many won’t even know they are eligible for support.

Buntrock says women can find out their eligibility by calling their local WIC or Community Health Services office.