Nourish California Applauds Congress for Securing WIC Funding

Nourish California Applauds Congress for Securing Full WIC Funding, Encourages Legislators to Prioritize WIC in the 2025 Budget

Published on Mar 27, 2024 in Child Nutrition, Federal Advocacy, WIC

On Friday, March 8, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (H.R. 4366), which includes six appropriations bills to fund Fiscal Year 2024. Included within the appropriations package is the Agriculture funding bill, where the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is housed.

The final package secured an additional $1 billion for WIC, bringing the total program funding to $7.03 billion. The significant increase ensures that the nearly 1 million parents and children in California who depend on WIC’s services will not be turned away. Additionally, the package maintains the science-backed increased fruit and vegetable benefit, which has been crucial for families in obtaining the food they need and want for themselves and their children.

When WIC gave that [fruit and vegetable] increase it was like we hit the lottery. I mean, we were trying all types of fruits and vegetables... From blueberries, plums, apricots, you name the fruit, we had it. I mean, different types of green beans, the jumbo onions, just all types of fruits and vegetables... We made shakes, smoothies. The kids loved that.

FM3 Focus Group Participant

The funding agreement also rejected harmful policy riders that would restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases. WIC will remain fully funded until September 2024, before which Congress will need to come to an agreement about a funding plan for 2025.

We applaud Congress for their commitment to protecting young families within our country.

We also thank those across the state and nation who advocated fearlessly to ensure WIC is fully funded. Thousands of letters were shared with legislators, urging them to prevent any cuts to benefits for families who depend on the program.

This win shows the power of advocacy and the importance of making your voice heard. Thank you for sharing your stories!

What’s Next?

Shortly after passing full funding for WIC, President Biden proposed a 2025 budget that places a strong emphasis on fighting hunger and supporting vulnerable families, particularly through the WIC program. With a proposed funding increase to $7.697 billion for 2025, the aim is to support more families in need and sustain the program's food benefits levels. The budget also seeks emergency funding flexibility to deal with unexpected rises in participation and food costs.

As policymakers decide on funding levels, it's crucial to stay committed to fully serving all eligible applicants, considering WIC's proven positive impacts on health and development, such as healthier births and better access to healthcare.

Despite recent progress in WIC participation, challenges persist in reaching all eligible individuals, with only about half currently benefiting from the program.

However, the proposed budget offers a chance to renew efforts in updating WIC and reaching more eligible families. By simplifying enrollment processes and improving connections to WIC services, states can ensure that critical nutritional support reaches infants, young children, and expectant parents.

As Congress discusses future funding for 2025 and beyond, ensuring adequate support for WIC is vital to safeguarding the health and well-being of America's most vulnerable populations.

Join us now in thanking our representatives and asking them to continue to support WIC in the years to come. Send a letter today!

Questions? Contact Angeles Nelson at angeles@nourishca.org.