WIC helps families celebrate the New Year with the WIC App

Press release

Hill County WIC reminds families that WIC is here to help make their New Year memorable. The WIC App is a tool to help WIC families in several ways, but what is special during the holiday is that the app has a variety of recipes to help families rediscover past favorites and new ways to use WIC foods, all while making the most use of their WIC dollars this New Year. 

“The WIC App has been a big help as families try to make the most out of their budgets while also celebrating the holidays,” said  Tami Schoen, RN, Hill County WIC Director. “It helps track benefits, what foods qualify for WIC, and even great recipes. I enjoy showing families how useful it is.” 

  This year marks the 50th Anniversary of WIC. WIC is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provides food support for Montana families. One item in the food package is a dollar amount for fresh vegetables and fruits. The amounts are $26 per month for children up to age five, $47 for those pregnant, postpartum, or partially breastfeeding, and $52 for those fully breastfeeding. Other WIC benefits include nutrition counseling, lactation experts, baby food, breastfeeding education and pumps, access to trained staff, and other resources and referrals.

WIC eligibility requires participants to be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child younger than five. Participants must make less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Traditional Best Beginnings, or a free/reduced school meal program. WIC is a voluntary program, and participation does not interfere with SNAP or Medicaid, and new this year, traditional Best Beginnings Scholarship.

“We know that only 55% of eligible families are enrolled statewide, and we also know that many families are struggling to make ends meet this year,” said Tami Schoen, RN, Hill County WIC Director. “The team here at Hill County WIC is here to help families enroll and access all the incredible benefits of WIC. We can help make this season a bit brighter.”

WIC in Montana includes 33 local agencies and over 80 clinic sites serving all 56 counties and six tribal reservations. Almost 13,000 women, infants, and children are enrolled which is about 10,000 Montana households.

The local WIC office is located in the Hill County Health Department at 302 4th Ave Havre MT. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8-12 and 1-5pm. If families need help enrolling in WIC or accessing their benefits, they can contact the Hill County WIC Department at 406-400-2421.