Mo. WIC program setting record numbers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Last month, a record number of Missourians relied on the federal government's nutrition program for low-income families, and officials with the program attribute the increase at least in part to higher milk prices.

Since the beginning of the fiscal year, the state client list for the WIC program, which provides pregnant women, infants and children up to age 5 with checks for basic food purchases worth about $35 a month, increased by more than 2,500 people, said Glenn Studebaker, WIC communications and planning coordinator in Jefferson City.

He said the increased demand appeared to be due to increases in the price of milk, but other food price increases were also likely affecting the numbers.

He said the WIC program set new records in August and October.

"Having several record months close together is kind of unusual," he said. "We do seem to be seeing new levels being set in participation that have never been seen before."

He said WIC clients are staying on the program longer rather than opting out before their children turn 5.

"We aren't seeing record numbers of new enrollees," Studebaker said. "The big growth is children staying in the program longer."

The increasing number of clients in Missouri, about 141,500 served in October, has also strained local WIC providers. Studebaker said many local departments have expanded their hours and requested money to hire more staff.

But he said despite the increased caseload, the program has not cut back services. If the record numbers continue, that could change.

"WIC does operate on a limited budget, and if participation and costs continue to rise, more money would have to be appropriated by the federal government or we would have to institute waiting lists for the program," Studebaker said. "We hope that never happens."