Food insecurity is an urgent issue in Oregon and across the country. Because no one should go hungry, I'm working to make permanent changes to improve WIC, the supplemental nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum, and nursing mothers and their young children. These updates will allow the program to serve more families in a better, faster, more flexible way.

The bipartisan MODERN WIC bill will allow eligible families to apply or renew benefits in more convenient ways, including phone, videoconference, online, or by mail, instead of solely through in-person visits. And new funding will help local WIC offices upgrade their technology to accommodate these changes. Since these temporary improvements were first made available at the start of the pandemic, WIC participation has risen 13 percent to reach more than 6 million eligible women and children.

And it's not just food assistance; thousands of families are now receiving health and nutrition screenings that result in lower rates of premature birth and infant mortality, lower rates of obesity, and improved cognitive development.

For decades, WIC has been a source of support to millions of families; the MODERN WIC Act will improve the program to give children and families the healthiest possible start in life.

Thank you for standing with me,

Suzanne