More North Country families are now eligible for WIC, according to the Children’s Clinic, which serves St. Lawrence County.

The state Department of Health has updated the income guidelines that determine eligibility for WIC, which will make benefits more widely available.

Under the new guidelines a family of four with a gross annual income of just over $43,500 will now qualify for WIC benefits. This will likely include many working and military families.

Pregnant women, breast feeding mothers, infants and children age five or younger whose families meet the financial guidelines are eligible to receive vouches for food valued at over $100 per month per person.

WIC vouchers allow families to purchase foods like fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheese, cereal, milk, juice and peanut butter to supplement their existing diet. Formula, cereal and baby food are also covered for families with infants.

WIC provides nutrition education, breast feeding support and food to more than 17,000 women, infants and children across the North Country, according to clinic staffers.

For more information visit www.childrens-clinic.org or call the Children’s Clinic’s WIC office at 386-8128.