Before the pandemic, most participants received their WIC allowance monthly. But to better support families during the sporadic food shortages in the early days of the pandemic, many states began offering benefits electronically and expanded the list of WIC-approved foods. That gives families more flexibility in the items they can choose – including around the fat content of milk, increasing the size of whole grain items and the number of eggs. And, WIC has partnered with manufacturers and retailers to address supply chain disruptions. Many states are also starting to provide benefits electronically instead of just on paper.
New report explores how COVID-19 has impacted WIC
Now, more than a year into the pandemic, WIC continues to pivot to meet new challenges. But to sustain a vital resource for families today, WIC needs more support and resources. I spoke with Brian Dittmeier, senior public policy adviser at the National WIC Consortium, about their new report on how the pandemic has affected WIC, how WIC has adapted to continue serving those who need it. its participation and what is still needed to ensure that it can meet the needs of the participants.
Federal support is needed to ensure WIC continues to support families
The WIC program is a lifesaver for millions of women, mothers and children across the country. In fact, right here in New Jersey, nearly 135,000 people participated in 2019 — that’s more than 53% of eligible residents. You can learn about the importance of WIC and other child nutrition policies in your state here. And listen to stories about parenting and how WIC is an essential resource for mothers to deliver the best health and happiness to their little ones.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted existing inequities in our public health system and the need for federal assistance in providing families with healthy meals and nutritional support. . Therefore, USDA and Congress must ensure that existing waivers that allow families to access WIC services during the pandemic remain in place for the time needed, and that states and WIC offices have the technical support they need to continue serving families effectively.
When the pandemic is finally over, we must ensure that support for WIC continues and expands. That means Congress should increase WIC funding to expand eligibility for postpartum mothers in the first two years after birth and children up to six years of age to be eligible to participate in programs. meal program at school. Efforts should also be made to enable infants and children to participate for two years before having to re-register, instead of the current six to 12 months.
Policymakers must also work to increase racial equity in WIC participation, including making WIC packages more culturally inclusive, providing targeted support based on health disparities and provide comprehensive and appropriate breastfeeding support to women of color. These and other updates to the program can help build a successful track record and capitalize on how local WIC agencies across the country have responded to the pandemic.
WIC is truly one of our nation’s most important programs, not only because of the number of families it serves, but because of its impact. Bo-Yee’s family is just one of many who have been able to eat healthier and access essential services thanks to WIC. But there are many women, children and families who need WIC. We must ensure that WIC has the support to continue to innovate and reach all the families who need it.
Read our policy summary which analyzes research on how the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and WIC impact the health and food security of young children.
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