MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is encouraging families across the state to check their eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) after recent increases to the program’s income guidelines made additional households eligible for assistance.

The updated guidelines, based on the 2026 federal poverty levels, allow more Alabama families to qualify for the nutrition assistance program, which provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals to eligible participants.

WIC serves pregnant women, women who have had a baby within the past six months, breastfeeding mothers, and infants and children up to age 5. Parents and guardians of qualifying children are encouraged to contact their local county health department or WIC agency to apply.

According to ADPH, participants may receive food benefits for each eligible family member. The program also provides cash value benefits that can be used to purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

Under the current benefit structure, each eligible child receives $26 per month for fruits and vegetables, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $48 per month. Breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

Additional WIC food benefits include whole-grain breads and cereals, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, peanut butter, beans, canned fish and infant foods.

In addition to food assistance, participants receive free nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to healthcare services. Alabama’s WIC program distributes benefits electronically, making it easier for participants to shop for approved foods.

To qualify for WIC, applicants must have a limited income and demonstrate a nutritional need. The program is available to families with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

Under the new guidelines, income limits include:

*Each unborn infant is counted as one person in the family size.

For income limits for larger households, ADPH directs residents to visit the Alabama WIC website.

The department noted that families currently receiving Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) automatically meet WIC’s income requirements. However, officials emphasized that many families who do not qualify for those programs may still be eligible for WIC because of the program’s higher income thresholds.

“WIC is here to help women, infants, and children in Alabama improve their overall health by providing nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support,” said Pam Galloway, Alabama WIC Director.

The Alabama Department of Public Health encourages anyone who believes they may qualify to contact their local health department or WIC agency for more information.

Additional information is available at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/wic or by calling the statewide toll-free WIC information line at 1-888-942-4673 (1-888-WIC-HOPE).