As Congress works towards finalizing bills that will implement the nation’s budget for the next year, we must remind them to include adequate funding for the WIC program to protect women, infants, and young children. Without additional funding, there will not be enough resources to continue current operations and states may have to resort to waiting lists for the first time in decades. It is estimated that even with the Senate’s proposed $6.3 billion funding level for WIC, 600,000 mothers and children would be turned away when they seek aid. Now is the time to remind our legislators that we can and must do more to protect and care for both women and their children. Providing adequate support for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) helps do just that by providing healthy food and nutrition support for vulnerable moms, infants, and young children.
This year, rising food costs and increased program participation make strong investments in WIC more important than ever. All families in need must have access to life-saving nutrition and health services. Tell Congress to continue its long history of bipartisan support for WIC by providing the program with adequate resources to serve all eligible participants with food that meets their nutrition needs, including the current benefit for fruits and vegetables. Supporting WIC is one way we can help build a society that welcomes new life and is oriented toward helping children and their parents, especially those who are most vulnerable.
We invite you to include your thoughts and personal experience. How has WIC helped you or your community?
You can learn more about the USCCB’s advocacy on WIC by reading USCCB letters to Congress on supporting families and ensuring adequate funding for vital nutrition programs.
