WIC Program Expansion: Longer Nutrition Support for Children and Mothers
This Act significantly expands the WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), allowing families to receive nutritional assistance for a longer duration. The changes extend eligibility for children up to age 6 and for infants and postpartum mothers up to 2 years. This aims to ensure better access to healthy food and health assessments for young families.
Key points
Children can receive WIC benefits until their 6th birthday or until they start full-day kindergarten, providing families with an extra year of nutritional support.
Eligibility for infants and mothers (both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding) postpartum is extended from a maximum of 1 year to 2 years, offering longer financial support for food.
All states must implement these eligibility extensions by October 1, 2027, unless they receive a specific waiver.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1604
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Process start date: 2023-05-15