Congress Helps Avoid a Government Shutdown and Extends the WIC Bump
Published on Oct 11, 2021 in Child Nutrition, Federal Advocacy, WIC, Young Children
Contact your Members of Congress to send a thank you note for taking action to #ExtendTheWICBump
Congress passed a Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown last week and—thanks to your advocacy—the bill also extends the increase of the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit through December 2021. We are happy to share that nearly one million California moms, babies, and children will benefit from having these extra resources to purchase fresh food.
Cristina, a mother of two small children from El Cajon California, explains how the WIC Bump has helped her family, “My two-year-old and my 4-year-old eat more fresh fruits and vegetables now. Before, I limited my purchases to apples and bananas. Now they have choices and when we go to the store my kids ask for the fruits and vegetables they want to eat. I feel confident they are eating more nutritious foods with vitamins and minerals. I would love it if we can continue to have these benefits that allow me to purchase more fruits and vegetables.”
The Continuing Resolution extends the WIC benefit increase until December 2021, though the benefit amounts have changed. The benefits will be based on 50% of recommended intake based on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine guidance.
New Benefit Amounts
According to the WIC Information Notice from the California Department of Public Health, the benefits for the next three months will be as follows:
- Children will receive $24/month,
- Pregnant and postpartum participants $43/month,
- Breastfeeding participants $47/month.
Starting this week, the extra benefits will be added automatically to the WIC cards. Previously issued benefits will also be updated automatically, please check MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov for more information.
The enhanced benefits can strengthen child health outcomes, lower the impact of rising food prices and bring nutritious fresh foods to families who otherwise cannot afford them — ensuring that children have a healthy start. Christina shared "With my tight budget, I didn’t want to take the risk of purchasing other fruits or vegetables because I didn’t know if they would eat them. With the extra benefits, we have been able to try a variety of new fresh foods, including pineapples, kiwis, watermelons, carrots, and broccoli, amongst others. I learned that my kids enjoy them a lot!"
Thank You for your advocacy
We commend Speaker Pelosi, Senator Padilla, Senator Feinstein, Representative Katie Porter, and other members of the California Congressional Delegation for helping #ExtendtheWICbump.
The Senate has passed a continuing resolution that avoids govt shutdown and maintains an increase to the WIC fruit and veg benefit through December! #ExtendTheWICBump pic.twitter.com/5lXHULRSnd
— CA WIC Association (@calwic) September 30, 2021
We need Congress to be aware of the benefits of taking action and investing in a healthy start for kids!