South SGV News

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation strengthens vital nutrition assistance for children and families

WASHINGTON – On May 16, U.S. Representatives Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jenniffer González-Cólon (R-PR), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), joined by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), introduced the Wise Investment in Children Act (WIC Act). The legislation would extend the eligibility for children to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) until their sixth birthday or first day of kindergarten, extend the certification period to two years, and extend post-partum eligibility to two years for all mothers.

“The WIC program is critical to keeping families and children fed and healthy,” said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "In my home state of California, WIC agencies provide services to nearly one million participants each month. This Mother’s Day, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the WIC Act—legislation that will help close gaps in WIC nutrition coverage for children and ensure WIC participants receive services without interruption. Passing this bill is an important step toward ensuring no family, child, or mother goes hungry in America.”

“No family in the United States – no child – should be hungry,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “That is why we need to make wise investments in our children. By closing nutritional gaps, we will ensure the next generation is given all the tools to thrive. I am proud to join my colleagues in both the House and Senate in reintroducing this vital legislation. We have the tools to end hunger and close the nutrition gap – let’s invest in them and get it done.”

“Parents and young children need and deserve access to healthy foods. When children are well-nourished early in life, they’re healthier, and they perform better in school, setting them up for success,” said Senator Casey. “By closing the WIC gap and expanding food benefits to age 6, we can invest in the long-term benefits of nutrition for children and help ensure that more than 10,000 children in Pennsylvania are not facing hunger simply because of their birthdate.”

"I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan WIC Act. This legislation seeks to improve nutritional assistance and related services to low-income families, from flexibility in the solicitation process to expanding coverage and ensuring a safe transition to child nutrition programs offered at schools. The WIC program supports over 87,5000 participants in Puerto Rico, including infants, children between the ages of 1-4, and pregnant and post-partum women. Facilitating access to benefits and services under WIC will ensure these families on the Island and across the nation receive timely assistance and nutritious food. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues to get this bill to the finish line,” said U.S. Representative Jenniffer González-Cólon.

"As a Pediatrician I know how important nutrition is for growing children, especially for those 6 and under. Proper nutrition at that stage of life is crucial for their physical growth, cognitive development, life-long eating habits, and overall health," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. "The WIC program is an important resource that helps millions of mothers and children access adequate nutrition. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting the health and well-being of mothers and children through this legislation."

“Good nutrition is crucial for the health and development of women, infants, and young children,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am a proud supporter of the WIC program, which enables mothers, pregnant women, and children nationwide to have access to proper nutrition. By strategically expanding eligibility, our bipartisan legislation will build on the exceptional success of WIC, strengthen the program’s impact, and improve generational health outcomes for American families.”

“WIC has been making significant strides in improving maternal and child health outcomes for almost 50 years now. The passing of this critical legislation will allow WIC to build on its legacy and bring about even healthier diets and better physical and cognitive health for the mothers and children. By expanding eligibility and certification timelines, WIC can keep investing in and empowering the futures of our families,” said Dr. Jamila Taylor, President & CEO of the National WIC Association. “While there's still much work to be done, this is a step in the right direction for bettering the lives of those who rely on WIC. We thank Senators Casey and Collins and Congresswomen DeLauro and González Colón for their leadership in fighting for a more robust WIC program that would double down on a healthier future for the next generation.”

“Pediatricians understand the strong link between nutrition and health, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) plays a vital role in giving infants and children a healthy start to life. We must do everything we can to ensure all eligible families can benefit from the WIC program without unnecessary barriers and to close gaps in nutrition support for young children and postpartum women. The WIC Act would take needed steps to make sure children and families can access this proven nutrition program. The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Jenniffer González Colón (R-P.R.) and Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) for their dedication to this issue and calls on lawmakers to advance the legislation without delay,” said AAP President Sandy Chung, MD, FAAP.

This bipartisan legislation is a critical step toward resolving nutrition gaps and assuring continued access to the vital services provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), paving the way for a healthier next generation.

WIC serves approximately 6.3 million pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and young children up to age five. For nearly fifty years, WIC has contributed to healthier pregnancies, improved birth outcomes for low-income women and infants, and healthier growth and development for young children. WIC's access to healthy foods provides families with a greater variety and nutritional quality in their diets. WIC is a proven and cost-effective program that more than doubles the return on the initial investment in medical, educational, and productivity cost-savings.

The text of the legislation is available here.

###

Issues: Working Families

Original source can be found here.