Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is announcing new guidelines for determining income eligibility for WIC benefits.“We have about 6,500 people participating in the WIC program,” said Pamella Wedding, nutrition education coordinator for Cherokee Nation WIC. “Statistics show that women who partake in the WIC program have better pregnancy outcomes and anemia rates of children on the WIC program are lower than those who do not participate in the program.”
WIC provides nutrition education and vouchers for supplemental foods to infants, children under 5 years of age, and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women.
To be eligible for the program, individuals must meet financial income requirements, residency requirements, have proper identification which can include social security card, driver’s license or school or work identification and be at nutritional risk according to a WIC Competent Professional Authority.
In order to meet the income standards, applicants must earn an amount equal to or less than the maximum amount allowed for their family size. The income amounts are listed according to family size. For example, a pregnant woman would be a family of two plus any additional household members living within the residence. All members of a household should be included when determining family size.
For example, a family with one child whose annual income is equal to or less than $17,705 (or monthly income is equal to or less than $1,476 or weekly income is less than $341) is eligible for assistance. For each additional family member, add $6,031 to total annual income, $503 to monthly and $116 to weekly income. The revised standards are effective beginning July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
“Foods include everything from milk, cheese, cereal and eggs, to formula and infant cereal for women and children,” Wedding said.
The Cherokee Nation determines annual WIC income guidelines by multiplying the annual federal poverty income guidelines by 1.85 and rounding the results upward to the nearest dollar.
Persons currently enrolled in the Cherokee Nation Food Distribution program, Food Stamp program, Medicaid/SoonerCare or TANF are automatically income eligible for WIC.
To find out about the WIC Clinic in your area, call 1-800-256-0671 (ext.2589) or 918-456-0671 (ext.2589).
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |