National WIC Association

Press Release: National WIC Association Applauds Early Steps by Congress to Address COVID-19 Crisis

March 18, 2020

Rev. Greenaway: “This legislation ensures that WIC stands ready to deliver throughout the public health emergency.”

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Natalie Moran

Email: nmoran@nwica.org  

 

WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, the Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which the House passed early Saturday morning. 

 

Rev. Douglas Greenaway, President and CEO of the National WIC Association (NWA), issued the following statement in response:

“The spread of COVID-19 represents one of the starkest challenges to the nation’s public health in years. The National WIC Association (NWA) applauds Congress for its swift action to provide early relief and streamline federal programs to respond to the needs of communities across the country. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act – passed by both chambers of Congress – is an important step in the nation’s evolving response to COVID-19.

 

“This legislation ensures that WIC stands ready to deliver throughout the public health emergency. NWA applauds Congress for providing flexibility to WIC service providers, allowing clinics to conduct remote certifications and providing regulatory relief that will simplify benefit issuance and the redemption of nutritious foods at retail grocery stores. WIC agencies are already developing innovative solutions to deliver vital nutrition support to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children, while also reducing the risk of exposure to both participants and clinic staff.

 

“NWA thanks Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her leadership in navigating the legislation through Congress and applauds Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) for championing the provisions that ensure flexibility in WIC service delivery throughout the negotiations.

 

“The bill also includes an additional $500 million in funding for WIC, to ensure that the program can serve additional participants as the nation prepares for an economic downturn. The nation must be clear-eyed as to the economic consequences of this public health crisis. With job losses and schools closing down, families will face increasing uncertainty as to how they will afford their next meal. NWA urges Congress to consider additional action to boldly tackle these ongoing concerns and the persistent barriers to family economic security.

 

“As the situation continues to unfold, NWA and WIC service providers across the country look forward to working with Congress and USDA to ensure continued nutrition and breastfeeding support for families raising young children.”

 

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