While looming budget decisions and a government funding deadline, the fate of safety net programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) hangs in the balance.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack expressed deep concerns about the funding levels for WIC, stressing a significant underfunding of the program
According to Thomas Vilsack, approximately 320,000 individuals in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are currently enrolled in WIC, benefiting from access to affordable healthy foods, baby formula, health care screenings, and more. However, the current funding proposals are deemed insufficient. Thomas Vilsack emphasized that to adequately meet the demand across local communities, the program requires a budget of $7.5 billion for fiscal year 2024, a target unmet by current proposals.
Thomas Vilsack stated, “If everyone who could participate in the program, who’s qualified for the program, the total number of participants in WIC would be double what it is today”
Despite Congress approving $6 billion for WIC in the previous fiscal year, the ongoing negotiations for the fiscal year 2024 funding levels are pivotal. Thomas Vilsack warned that without increased funding, wait lists for enrollment at state and local levels could expand. As the November 17 deadline for final or continued funding approaches, the House of Representatives has passed a short-term measure, with the Senate expected to vote later this week. The urgency lies in addressing the needs of millions of individuals, especially children and babies, who rely on WIC for essential support.
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