Advocates call on Congress to fully fund food program for mothers and babies

Funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a federal nutrition program, is so uncertain that states may be forced to turn away families with babies starting next year.

Since 1997, WIC hasn’t turned away applicants because the program has enjoyed bipartisan backing. But that support is in doubt as lawmakers clash over funding for the next fiscal year.

The program is facing a $1 billion dollar budget shortfall. Some states could reduce their caseloads by creating a waitlist.

In Washington, an estimated 38,000 people could be turned away.

“My worry here is that my ability to pay for food is dropping quickly,” said Paul Throne, Nutrition Services Director whose agency administers WIC.

As of September 2023, his office provided food for more than 131,000 pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children. Throne said in the coming year, he anticipates needing more funding for the program.

Advocates say WIC not only reduces infant mortality, but helps in a child’s cognitive development, too.

“If a child is not able to get enough to eat and they do not have the nutrition their brain needs to function well, then we know the trauma of food insecurity can lead to behavior issues and worsening mental health,” said Sand Chung, president of the American Pediatric Academy.

Last year, Washington’s caseload rose by more than 9.5%, and it’s expected to grow more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees WIC, notes that more eligible people are signing up for the program. Analysts at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities say two key factors are driving up demand: rising food costs and the end of pandemic-era assistance, such as the Child Tax Credit.