National WIC Association: With this budget, WIC is positioned to reach more eligible families, modernize services to better meet the needs of WIC families, and continue improving the health of our nation through rapidly changing times.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, President Biden released his fiscal year 2024 (FY24) budget and in it, signaled $6.3 billion in support for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This figure comes as the administration predicts that participation in WIC will increase to 6.5 million in 2024. With a White House Budget in hand, Congressional negotiations can begin and are expected to last throughout 2023.
The following quote is attributed to Dr. Jamila Taylor, NWA President & CEO:
“In 2022, the WIC program and WIC families faced remarkable circumstances in the rampant rise of food costs and ongoing infant formula crisis. Despite these challenges, WIC saw sizable increases in the number of families it serves, demonstrating its ability not only to provide necessary resources and services but also to adapt to changing needs and increased demand in times of crisis. This is a pivotal moment for the growth and development of WIC.
“We applaud the Biden Administration for understanding the significant role WIC plays in the lives of families across this country and the potential that it has to make access to healthy foods and healthcare more equitable. With this budget, WIC is positioned to reach more eligible families, modernize services to better meet the needs of WIC families, and continue improving the health of our nation through rapidly changing times.
“Even more impactful, this budget takes aim at the rising cost of food and seeks to diminish the struggle this poses to American families, especially families of color and low-income families who already struggle to put food on the table. As costs continue to rise, it is more important than ever for WIC fruit and vegetable benefits to keep pace with the produce inflation participants are experiencing. This is a crucial stride towards creating equitable access to nutritious foods and eliminating hunger and food insecurity in this country.
“We urge Congress to pass a budget that aligns with President Biden’s dedication to improving maternal and child health outcomes and strengthening equitable access to nutrition across this country–allocating the necessary funds to support WIC’s projected caseload outcomes.”
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The National WIC Association (NWA) is the nonprofit membership organization for State and local providers of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). NWA is the go-to voice of and for WIC staff at more than 12,000 WIC locations across the country who work to support more than 6.3 million mothers and young children. For over three decades, NWA has worked to build broad, bipartisan consensus for WIC’s programmatic goals and public health mission. NWA provides member-driven advocacy; education, guidance, and support to WIC staff; and drive innovation to strengthen WIC as we work toward a nation of healthier women, children, and their families. Learn more at www.nwica.org.