HCHD renews WIC services for ’27

Published 3:00 am Saturday, November 7, 2026

The Howell County Health Department has signed a contract with the state to continue offering Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services through the 2027 federal fiscal year.

The WIC program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health screenings to pregnant women, new mothers and children up to age 5. Eligibility requires an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level and an identified nutritional risk.

Participants receive WIC cards to purchase approved items at local participating grocery stores and pharmacies. The program provides fortified dairy, eggs, whole grains, cereal, 100% fruit juices and produce. It also provides breastfeeding support, baby food and infant cereal, with iron-fortified formula available for infants who are not breastfed.

According to the health department, studies indicate pregnant women who enroll early in their pregnancy tend to eat healthier, seek medical care sooner and experience fewer low birth weight babies and infant deaths.

For more information or to apply, contact the Howell County Health Department at 417-256-7078.

HOWELL COUNTY WIC CLINICS

• West Plains: Howell County Health Department, 180 Kentucky St., from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

• Willow Springs: Wesley Methodist Church, 311 N. Harris St., from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month.

• Mtn. View: Christian Church, 1505 Highway 17, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month.