WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the National WIC Association (NWA), the nonprofit education and advocacy voice for WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), announced its 2026 policy priorities, which include full funding for WIC, the permanent expansion of virtual service options, protecting program access and eligibility, and preventing the dismantling of critical administrative infrastructure.
For more than 50 years, WIC has been a cornerstone of public health—enhancing nutrition, supporting breastfeeding, and improving health outcomes for millions of Americans during pregnancy, postpartum, infancy, and early childhood. NWA has supported that work for over 40 years, serving as the voice for the 12,000 Local and 88 State Agencies that provide WIC services across the country, supporting nearly 6.9 million mothers, babies, and young children. Through education, guidance, and advocacy, NWA empowers WIC professionals, drives innovation, and strengthens the program as we work toward a future of healthier families for all.
This year, NWA has four key policy priorities:
Fully fund WIC through appropriations: For nearly 30 years, Congress has worked on a bipartisan basis to fully fund WIC and serve every eligible applicant. It is critical that lawmakers uphold this commitment to protect participant trust and safeguard WIC’s longstanding public health success. This includes providing the full evidence-based food package.
Maintain modern service delivery: USDA modernization waivers have significantly advanced service delivery, most notably by allowing WIC agencies to offer virtual appointments by phone or video, reducing barriers like transportation for families. However, unless Congress acts, these critical flexibilities will expire on September 30, 2026, reversing years of progress. NWA calls on Congress to modernize WIC’s physical presence requirement and create permanent hybrid services to preserve participants’ access and choice.
Protect WIC access and eligibility: Given recent efforts to restrict eligibility for basic needs programs, it is critical to ensure WIC remains accessible to all eligible families, including immigrant and mixed-status families. NWA urges lawmakers to reject any attempts to limit access to WIC; to protect participant data from being used for non-program purposes; and to uphold WIC's foundational role as a public health program that maintains community trust.
Prevent dismantling of critical administrative infrastructure: WIC State Agencies rely on the collaboration and expertise of USDA FNS program staff. Since January 2025, FNS has lost more than 500 of its 1,800-member staff, leading to challenges and delays in WIC operations. Reorganization plans for USDA risk further staff loss. NWA calls on Congress to urge USDA to pause reorganization plans until stakeholder feedback is fully considered and ensure departmental changes do not jeopardize the infrastructure and expertise WIC staff depend on.
The following is a statement from Georgia Machell, President & CEO of NWA:
“For decades, NWA has worked closely with USDA, Congress, and the White House to ensure WIC services are accessible to every eligible family who needs them. We intend to do just that in 2026 and beyond.
“Nearly 6.9 million women, babies, and young children nationwide, plus millions more who are eligible but not yet enrolled, are counting on our country’s leaders to safeguard WIC’s critical services and access to the program.
“This year presents a significant opportunity for policymakers to renew the nation’s commitment to WIC. By safeguarding its funding and maintaining flexible, modern service delivery, they can prevent severe service disruptions and ensure the program continues delivering the healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals that give America's children a healthy start. The recent government shutdown has underscored that families must be able to rely on WIC’s support, especially in times of uncertainty.
“By working together, we can strengthen WIC’s foundation, protect its evidence-based benefits, and ensure it reaches every family in need. We can build on WIC’s historic success and continue improving the lives and health of American families.”
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