Invite youth into your life. Get started as an Idaho foster parent today.
It's Idaho's goal to have foster and foster-to-adopt parents who are able to meet the diverse needs and characteristics of children in foster care: children with special needs, minority children, sibling groups, older children, and children who are in residential or group care placement who would benefit from a family setting.
Department of Health and Welfare - By the Numbers
News Updates
Protect yourself and your pets from harmful algal blooms this summer
Track water sampling locations and health advisories:
- Idaho Recreational Water Health Advisories
- Idaho Department of Environmental Quality cyanobacteria web page
Report a potential harmful algal bloom:
- Online form
- (866) 671-5385
- algae@deq.idaho...
Public Health reports first heat-related deaths in 2024
The first two heat-related deaths in Idaho this year have been reported to the Division of Public Health. Both Idaho residents were over the age of 60.
“Please stay safe if you head outdoors this summer,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho...
Board of Health and Welfare to meet June 6
The Idaho Board of Health and Welfare will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 8 a.m. MT Thursday, June 6, via Webex and in Boise.
Agenda items include introduction of incoming Director Alex Adams, remarks by Adams, and introductions for...
Public Notices and Meetings
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Public Notice
Idaho’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will implement new income guidelines effective July 1, 2024, that raise household income eligibility limits to help offset cost of living increases. This review and adjustment happen annually.
To be eligible for the WIC program, an individual must be a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a woman who has recently been pregnant, or an infant or child younger than 5 years old. In addition, the individual must live in Idaho, have a need that can be helped by WIC foods and nutrition counseling, and have a low-to-moderate income.
To be eligible based on income, an applicant’s gross income (e.g., before taxes are withheld) must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, under the new guidelines a family of three can earn up to $47,767 annually; under the old guidelines a family of three could have earned up to $45,991 annually.
If you or a family member are in the categories served by WIC and currently receive Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or CHIP, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Number of Household Members* 1 | Maximum Annual Gross Household Income $27,861 |
*One pregnant woman counts as two household members
WIC provides nutritious supplemental foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, beans, and peanut butter at no cost to qualified families.
WIC services also include health screenings, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding information and support, help from registered dietitians, and referrals to other services. The average Idahoan enrolled in WIC receives approximately $67 of healthy foods per month.
Participation in WIC results in greater nutrition for Idaho families and additional profit for Idaho grocers that accept WIC transactions. There are currently approximately 31,000 people per month receiving Idaho WIC assistance.
To apply for WIC or for more information about WIC in your area, go to signupwic.com, or call the Idaho CareLine at 211, or visit wic.dhw.idaho.gov.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
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