Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

PRIORITY POLICY

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is one of the nation’s largest federal nutrition programs, serving millions of people each month, including about half of all infants born in the United States. WIC helps qualifying pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 achieve and maintain a healthy weight by providing healthy foods and nutrition education; promoting breastfeeding and supporting nursing mothers; and providing health care and social-service referrals.

The WIC food package is required by law to be periodically re-evaluated to ensure it aligns with the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines. In 2009, the WIC food package was updated to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lower-fat milk. Research shows that, following the changes, WIC participants are buying and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Research has also shown that WIC participation is associated with healthier consumption patterns among mothers and children, and with higher fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption among children. Newer data has also shown that children who participate in WIC through age 4 have healthier diets than children who leave earlier.

The most recent data available show that the obesity rates among children ages 2 to 4 who participate in WIC declined from 15.9 percent in 2010 to 14.4 percent in 2018. The decline was statistically significant among racial and ethnic groups studied, and in 31 states or U.S. territories.

COVID-19 Response

Emergency relief bills approved by Congress allocated nearly $1 billion to WIC to boost access to nutritious foods among women and children, while enabling them to avoid in-person clinic visits that might have increased their exposure to COVID-19.

Related Research

Research Brief

Strengthening WIC’s Impact During and After the Pandemic

Research Brief

WIC: Ensuring a Healthy Start for All Kids and Families

Data

Obesity Declines Among Young WIC Participants

Study

WIC Food Package Promotes a Healthy Diet

Study

Stores Participating in WIC Stock Healthier Foods

Fast facts

31

31 states or U.S. territories reported obesity rate declines among 2-to-4 year olds participating in WIC between 2010 and 2018.

$31.78

Average monthly value of WIC food benefit for kids in 2018.

44%

In 2018, WIC served 44 percent of those eligible for the program’s services.

WIC Gives Families a Sense of Relief Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Expert Perspective

How WIC Has Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Community Story

WIC: Virtual Services and Partnerships Address Nutrition Needs and More

Q&A

Supporting a Healthy Early Childhood During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Q&A

How WIC Gives Children a Healthy Start, Preventing Obesity in Early Childhood

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PRIORITY POLICY