Income guidelines for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program have increased, allowing more families to participate in the free nutrition education program.

Under the new income guidelines, which went into effect July 1, a family of four can earn $61,050 annually and qualify for WIC. For a family of three, the income limit is $50,542, and a family of two can earn up to $40,034.

WIC provides participants with supplemental healthy foods, which contain vital nutrients essential for healthy development during critical growth periods, such as pregnancy, infancy and early childhood.

The program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture and provides nutrition education and access to healthy foods for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under the age of 5.

To qualify, participants must meet the income guidelines, have a nutritional or medical need, and live in Pennsylvania.

In addition to the eWIC card, which can be used to purchase nutritious foods, WIC participants receive nutrition education, breastfeeding support, immunization record checks, iron deficiency screening, farmers market vouchers and referrals for other health and social services.

For more information or to apply for WIC, visit www.mfhs.org, or call 570-273-1288.