Agency looking to Congress for support in closing the nutritional gap.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service recently released a study showing that, despite the eligibility of over 12 million individuals for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in 2021, only 51 percent participated in the program. The program provides supplemental food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, immunization screening, and health and social services referrals for mothers and young children up to age five.
“We’re making progress in connecting more of our nation’s youngest children and moms with WIC’s life-changing benefits,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “It’s up to Congress to fully fund WIC this fiscal year and continue the 25-year bipartisan track record of making sure every eligible low-income mom, infant, and child seeking WIC services can get the vital nutrition they need to thrive.”
Although preliminary data for 2022 and 2023 indicated a rise in WIC participation, progress depends on Congress fully funding the program, which it has historically done. Research has shown that WIC participation led to healthier eating habits, reduced infant mortality, fewer premature births, increased birth weights, and lowered healthcare costs.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Administrator Cindy Long as she oversees the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
- For Secretary Vilsack to seek God’s direction as he heads the USDA.
- For the women and children who are eligible and need nutrition assistance to benefit from the program.
Sources: Reuters
