In Matthew 14:16, when the disciples asked Jesus to send the hungry crowd away, He replied, “You give them something to eat.” Today, that same call comes to us. As hunger continues to grow in our midst, we are called to act as the disciples were. When Pope Leo XIV reflected on this passage during his trip to Africa he shared with us the message behind the miracle where he and his disciples feed the starving multitude. 

The miracle he performed is a sign of this love. It shows us not only how God provides humanity with the bread of life, but how we can share this sustenance with all men and women who, like ourselves, hunger for peace, freedom and justice. Each act of solidarity and forgiveness, every good effort, becomes a morsel of bread for humanity in need of care.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens helps promote programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). We are concerned that this program will not be prioritized in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2027. We ask you, our supporters and friends to urge your Members of Congress to ensure access to WIC by fully funding and modernizing WIC through:  

• Funding for fiscal year (FY) 2027 at a level that will ensure every eligible person who applies for the program can receive the full evidence-based benefits and services, including maintaining the full cash value benefit for the purchase of fruits and vegetables. 
• Supporting the bipartisan, bicameral MODERN WIC Act (H.R. 1464) / 21st Century WIC Act (S. 3842), which will make flexible service options permanent. These bipartisan bills create permanent options for remote certification and benefits issuance for WIC. Without congressional action, these essential modernizations that reduce barriers to WIC could expire as early as September 2026. 

 

The Food Research and Action Center offers the following fact sheet on WIC and the legislation needed to modernize this program.  

Please join your voice with us in advocating for this crucial program.