The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) released the new income guideline, effective June 1, 2026. The WIC Program aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. Our services provide nutritious foods to supplement diets, healthy eating education, breastfeeding education and support, along with referrals to health care and other social programs.

The WIC Program income eligibility standards are based on the Federal Department of Health and Human Services Income Poverty Guidelines, which is limited to residents whose gross income (i.e., income before deductions for income taxes, social security, insurance premiums, bonds, etc.) is equal to or less than the income poverty guidelines of 185%. For example, a family of four could qualify for WIC benefits with a total household gross income of $61,050 or less per year.

To learn more about the WIC Program in Ocean County, we encourage you to call (732-370-0122) or visit our webpage (www.oceancountyhealth.gov/wic). WIC is conveniently located throughout Ocean County in Lakewood, Toms River, and Manahawkin, along with a mobile clinic that offers services throughout the county. WIC is open Monday through Friday and provides evening hours on Wednesdays. Call WIC today to schedule an appointment: 732-370-0122.

“At a time when grocery prices are skyrocketing and families are facing economic uncertainty, WIC has become a staple for many households across Ocean County. Families are relying on WIC for healthy food and nutrition support. You may qualify for WIC assistance if you are pregnant or have small children in the household,” states Meghan Norton, Project Director Nutrition Program. “WIC conveniently provides appointments both in-person and remotely. Give WIC a call today, and we will let you know what appointment would be the right fit for you. Whether you are looking for breastfeeding assistance, resources in the area, information on your child’s milestones, or help getting your picky eater to try new foods, WIC is here for you! WIC benefits are loaded onto a card each month to use at a variety of grocery stores within Ocean County and throughout New Jersey.”

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint-filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: [email protected].

[Press Release]