The Hill County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, administered through the Hill County Health Department, is accepting new clients in Hill and surrounding counties.

As the nation’s most successful and cost-effective public health nutrition program, WIC is designed to influence lifetime nutrition and health behaviors for participating families. Nationwide, WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and other benefits to more than 7 million people, including 16,000 participants in Montana.

The program provides personalized support for income-eligible pregnant women, caregivers and parents with children under 5. Households enrolled in the following programs automatically meet income eligibility for WIC:

• Healthy Montana Kids Plus (HMK-Plus) and Medicaid

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

• National School Lunch Program (free and reduced-price meals)

Specific income guidelines are available online at wic.mt.gov or by calling 1-800-433-4298.

“When asked what they value most about the program, more than 75 percent of Montana WIC participants say they value the nutrition information and appreciate the support from WIC staff,” said Hill County WIC Coordinator Nicole Hungerford. “We know there are eligible families in our area not currently being served, so we’re working to spread the word about the program so everyone who’s eligible can receive this assistance.”

Those interested in enrolling can call the Hill County WIC office at 406-400-2421 to apply or to get connected to their local clinic, even if it’s outside Hill County.

The main Hill County WIC clinic is located at the Hill County Health Department, 302 4th Ave., in Havre. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Hours for the Hill County WIC satellite clinics are:

• Chester, 315 W Madison Ave .: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Third Monday of the odd months.

• Chinook, 420A Ohio (Courthouse Annex): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fourth Tuesday of the even months.

Appointments are available at all the clinics, but walk-ins are always welcome. Hill County WIC is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, call Nicole or Tami at 406-400-2421 or email nhungerford@mt.gov.