WIC TURNS 40

WIC is celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2014. For the past four decades WIC has provided nutrition education, supplemental food, healthcare referrals, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. In fiscal year 2013, an average of 8.6 million people participated every month in WIC (4.6 million children, 2 million infants and 2 million women). The 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act requires all states to implement a statewide Electronic Benefit Transfer EBT system by October 2020.  Most WIC agencies still provide checks or vouchers to participants to purchase the foods at state-approved retailers, but the use of EBT cards is increasing with nine states complete and another 39 states (including CT) in the planning or implementation stage.  

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures, 9/16/14, WIC

The WIC food packages were revised in 2007 to align the food authorized for purchase with the latest nutrition science and guidance. Most WIC participants are satisfied with the revised food packages in terms of the new foods offered and changes in the amounts of food. And, as a new issue brief reveals, a growing body of evidence shows that the revised WIC food packages have favorable effects on dietary intake, breastfeeding outcomes, and obesity rates. In addition, emerging studies suggest an important role for WIC in improving neighborhood food environments. 

Source: Food Research and Action Center, 9/8/14, WIC Impact