The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) improves the health and nutrition of eligible participants by providing nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social services, and healthy foods. Decades of research have shown that WIC is highly effective, supporting better birth outcomes, healthier diets, and breastfeeding. Participation in WIC has also been shown to increase food security, immunization rates, and access to health care. These benefits result in tangible economic impact: each $1 in WIC spending leads to about $2.50 in health care savings. The bottom line: WIC works. 

WIC Needs Your Help

Current proposed funding levels for WIC in both the House and Senate are inadequate to keep pace with increased participation. Unless Congress acts quickly to ensure that WIC is fully funded, the program may be forced to turn 600,000 eligible postpartum individuals with low incomes and their young children away from WIC.

To avoid interruption in participation, benefits, or services Congress must include additional funding (a down payment) for WIC in the next short-term spending bill (continuing resolution or CR), and fully fund it in the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations package.

Want to Learn More?

Check out FRAC’s Fact sheet to learn more about this funding crisis. Or, see how WIC helps those in your county by visiting Thriving PA’s statewide or county fact sheets.