USDA’s WIC nutrition program for women, infants and children “vastly underutilized,” experts flag

06 Nov 2023 --- Only 51% of eligible mothers, infants and children participated in the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), reveals new research by the organization based on data from 2021.

According to the study, 12 million were eligible for WIC in 2021. However, only 51% of those, around six million people, took the governmental support. While similar data for 2022 and 2023 has yet to be released, preliminary data suggests growing interest in most US states.

According to the USDA, WIC is important for the health and well-being of nearly half of infants born in the US and millions of mothers and children up to the age of five.

“We’re making progress in connecting more of our nation’s youngest children and moms with WIC’s life-changing benefits,” says US Secretary of Agriculture 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.”

WIC support for mothers with young children includes supplemental nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, immunization screenings and health and social services referrals. The USDA says WIC has improved nutrition, lowered infant deaths and premature births and increased birth weights. 

Commitment from Congress
The USDA is now receiving funding from Congress as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to modernize and strengthen WIC to reach more eligible families. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to creating a healthier future for our country and that starts by ensuring every mom, baby and child in the US receives the nutrition they need to achieve their full potential,” says Stacy Dean, the USDA’s deputy under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services. 

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service, responsible for WIC, is receiving investments focused on improving outreach, the WIC shopping experience, diversifying the WIC workforce and enhancing technological and service delivery. 

“By closing the WIC participation gap, we can make incredible progress on addressing hunger, nutrition and health in the US,” he says. 

According to USDA data, WIC mothers and children are more likely to have access to adequate, nutritious food. WIC has also been shown to have lowered infant deaths, premature births and increased birth weights. It has further been shown to reduce healthcare costs. 

A study released last month by the USDA’s Economic Research Service has revealed that the vast majority of US households are food secure. However, the percentage of families struggling with aspects of food insecurity grew in 2022. 

A recent CSPI survey has indicated a keen interest in the availability of more nutritious food options at dollar stores among citizens participating in the US federal nutrition assistance programs, such as WIC. 

By Milana Nikolova