A Primer on WIC: the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
A Primer on WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Randy Alison Aussenberg Specialist in Nutrition Assistance Policy Julia E. Kortrey Research Associate July 21, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R44115 WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Summary The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition-rich foods, nutrition education (including breastfeeding promotion and support), and health care and social services referrals to eligible low-income women, infants, and children. In FY2014, approximately 8.3 million people participated in WIC each month. WIC is authorized by the Child Nutrition Act, as is the related WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP). WIC, WIC FMNP, school meals, and the other child nutrition programs are typically reauthorized together; these programs were last reauthorized in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-296). WIC’s funding is discretionary, and the bulk of program funds are allocated via formula grant to state agencies for food costs and “Nutrition Services and Administration.” In FY2014, there were 90 state agencies (50 states, District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 34 Indian Tribal Organizations). These agencies operate the program through local WIC agencies and clinics. The program obligated over $7 billion in federal funds in FY2014. WIC has a number of federal and state eligibility rules, including categorical, financial, and nutritional risk. Participants must fall into one of WIC’s participant categories: pregnant, post- partum, and breastfeeding women; infants; or children (under five years of age).
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