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On Tuesday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vislack announced finalized updates to the WIC program. Formerly known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, WIC is a federal nutrition program for pregnant people, new parents, and young children. Nearly 40% of all infants in the US participate in the service. The USDA expects the new rules to go into effect within the next two years.
The last time WIC was permanently updated was a decade ago; however, there was a temporary change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a few of the new rules are similar to COVID-era changes, which provide cash vouchers for fresh and healthy food options.
The expansion includes fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other options like quinoa, canned beans, and plant-based/lactose-free dairy alternatives. It also increases flexibility in the amount of infant formula provided to new parents.
These food expansion options allow families to buy food that reflects their cultural or dietary preferences. Previously, many WIC-approved foods were not culturally appropriate for some immigrant families that use the program.
“WIC has a half-century track record of caring for young families. USDA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to ensuring that moms, babies and young children continue to thrive through WIC,” said Vilsack in a press statement. “These participant-centered changes will strengthen WIC by ensuring the foods participants receive reflect the latest nutrition science to support healthy eating and the brightest futures.”
Who Benefits Most from WIC?
The program first took off in 1972 through an amendment to the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Every month, the program helps to provide food to 6.7 million American parents and children. Those who actively engage in the program are less likely to give birth prematurely, have low birth weight, and experience infant mortality.
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As the name suggests, women and their children who are under five are the program’s target group. Pregnant people and children who are on Medicaid or receive SNAP benefits are also eligible for WIC. The number of eligible Americans is far lower than the total number of participants. Over 12 million people in the US are eligible but only 6 million actively participate.
Hispanic Americans represent the largest demographic of participants at 36%. Over 2.6 million Black women and children are eligible for the program, but only 1.2 million participated in 2021.
Why Don’t More People Participate?
An article from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that the previous allowance of $11 a month per individual for fresh produce wasn’t adequate. Discerning which groceries are WIC-approved can also be difficult. Many parents opt against using their benefits to avoid complications at the checkout register.
Finding grocery stores that accept WIC can be difficult for those who live in food deserts. Even those who do live in places with nutritious food options experience difficulty finding WIC-sponsored stores. Aldi and Trader Joe’s do not accept WIC. Only half of Target superstores are WIC participants.
The guidelines for the program are rather tedious. Only pregnant people or those who have recently given birth are eligible. Children have to be five years old or younger to qualify. However, many who do not meet the requirements for SNAP benefits may qualify for WIC.
Recently, the federal government offered a new initiative to states and tribal nations. This would give extra EBT credits to families with children in the free and reduced school lunches program. Fourteen Republican Governors, including Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, denied participation.