National WIC Association: This is a dangerous proposal that will exacerbate food insecurity, undermine efforts to build healthier outcomes for the next generation, and directly impact the health and well-being of millions of mothers and children who benefit from this vital program
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Appropriations Committee marked up the fiscal year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill, which funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The House bill, which funds WIC at a level $185 million below fiscal year 2023 levels would cut fruit and vegetable benefits for more than 5 million WIC participants. If passed, the cut to WIC benefits would result in a 56% decrease in the fruit and vegetable benefit provided by WIC for children and a 70% decrease for adults.
These proposed cuts come at a time when recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data demonstrates WIC enrollment is increasing beyond fiscal year 2024 projections. In a brief published earlier this week, the National WIC Association (NWA) argued that current enrollment trends in the program surpass the funding needs that were proposed in President Biden’s 2024 budget. This funding deficit is further inflamed by the additional cuts proposed by the House of Representatives and could result in the program having to institute waiting lists for the first time in three decades.
The following statement is attributed to Dr. Jamila Taylor, President & CEO of the National WIC Association:
“Today’s markup demonstrates the real and immediate consequences that families will face if Congress pursues further cuts to overall spending on domestic programs. Numerous legislators raised their concern with a bill that would slash funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and take benefits for healthy foods away from more than 5 million toddlers, new moms, and pregnant women. This is a dangerous proposal that will exacerbate food insecurity, undermine efforts to build healthier outcomes for the next generation, and directly impact the health and well-being of millions of mothers and children who benefit from this vital program.
“For nearly fifty years, WIC has provided essential nourishment for the healthy development of our nation's families. Access to nutritious food is a fundamental right that no person, especially underserved mothers and children, should be denied. The enhanced fruit and vegetable benefit plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of millions of families across the country, empowering them to make healthier choices and promoting long-term well-being.
“We applaud Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, who put forth an amendment to restore WIC benefits to their current levels, recognizing the significance of ensuring access to fruits and vegetables for those in need. There is broad, bipartisan support for providing more healthy foods through WIC, and those that didn’t support this amendment are turning a blind eye to the impacts on families and farmers alike.
“The bill contains a parade of horribles in its lengthy list of policy riders that undermine SNAP, reproductive health care, and children’s health. We reiterate our strong opposition to legislative efforts that undermine independent, science-based recommendations that inform balanced and high-quality food packages for WIC participants. Congress should not turn its back on scientists and health professionals when it comes to the nutritional needs of the next generation.
“We are encouraged that Chairman Harris recognizes that WIC funding may need to be increased - even offering to extend budget authority above the President's Budget level - to ensure that WIC has the resources it needs, consistent with a long bipartisan history of fully funding WIC services. Congress should not force a false choice between feeding hungry families and supporting rural communities. In a nation of abundance, Congress should be able to dedicate sufficient funding to ensure that the next generation has access to the nutritious foods they need to grow and thrive. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to monitor developing participation trends and work with legislators in both chambers and both parties to secure the funding that WIC needs to offer a healthy start for millions of children.”