WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines 2023-2024

A WIC Applicant is automatically income eligible to apply for the WIC program if currently enrolled in either the Louisiana Medicaid Program, or the Louisiana SNAP (Food Stamp) Program, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or LA CHIP, or LA MOMS.

If not currently enrolled in at least one of the above programs, a family income screening will need to be completed following the 2023-2024 income guidelines for the WIC Program. An individual may not participate in WIC at more than one site, or in more than one state, during the same month.

To see if you are income eligible to apply for the Louisiana WIC Program, find your family size and compare your current gross household income (before deductions) to the income listed. Note: In the case of prenatal women, the fetus may be counted as part of the household.

Any additional questions or concerns about income eligibility may be answered by calling 1-800-251 -BABY, visiting www.louisianawic.org or contacting your local WIC site.

*For each additional family member add

Ways to Handle Stress during the Hurricane Season

Sfress is an unavoidable part of life that affects us all- VVhile some stress is normal and even necessary, too much of it can affect our quality of life and health. Here are some tips for reducing stress during hurricane season for the next 4-6 months.

Talk to someone. Everyone needs to be able to talk to someone about how the upcoming hurricane season affects us. Talking, laughing, crying, and expressing our feelings are healthy.

Avoid caffeine, smoking; alcohol, and drugs. These all aggravåte stress. While drugs and alcohol may offer temporary relief from stress, it just covers up-the problem. The stressor is still there the next day.

Get enough rest.- Lack ofsleep lessons your ability to deal with your stress. The less sleep you get, the •more stressful you will feel and the more anxious you will. become. Lack of sleep may also weakens your immune system, which may make you more prone to becoming ill.

Physic-af adivity can help clear your mind and helps keep.stress under control- Start with 30 minutes a day.

Change your way of thinking. Stopping thoughts that cause stress, working on problem solving. and learning to communicate well are all useful tools for reducing stress.

A good diet will give you the strength you need and keep your nervous systern .and immune system in better shape- T ry to s(ay away from sugar, white flour products, preserved meats, and JUNK FOOD!

Limit how much time you spend around negativism either with people, televiSion, news, or newspaper. We have control over how much we want to take into our minds ai a timeToo much can affect.our affitudes and upset us. which affects others around us.

Make-time for fun. Schedule time for recreation with family or friends. Spend the day at the park, movie, or have lunch with an old friend.

Do something for others- Helping someone else takes your mind off your own problems and helps you establish new friendships while maintaining old ones.

Dont forget the power of the human touch. The dctual touch from another human being is a connedion. Research has found that physical contact can strengthen the immune system, enhance mood and diminish stress. Hug someone today)!!! Let them know that you are there for them during this stressful season.

Resources; F*.m'.webrnd.com