Increase WIC funding in the appropriations bill! Kids need to eat!

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the funding and future of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The WIC program has been a vital lifeline for millions of families with low incomes across the country for over four decades. It provides essential nutrition support and educational resources to those pregnant, new mothers, and young children. WIC plays a critical role in ensuring that these vulnerable families have access to nutritious food, leading to healthier outcomes and a better chance at a successful future. The repercussions from the pandemic, including increased food prices, have resulted in increased demand for WIC services. Already, between January and March of 2023, WIC participation has exceeded USDA projections for all of FY2024. It is imperative that Congress take immediate action to ensure continued access to essential nutrition aid to babies, toddlers, and pregnant and postpartum parents, and those who are nursing. This is especially important when these young children are at such critical stages in their cognitive development. The funding level included in the House Committee on Appropriations bill for the Department of Agriculture is inadequate. Its $800 million cut from current funding levels would be achieved by drastic reductions in the science-based fresh fruits and vegetables monthly allotments (from $25 to $11 for 1-4 year-olds and from $49 to $15 for breastfeeding mothers). The level is so low that in addition to taking nutritious food away from families, it would not provide enough to support the projected number of participants, leading to waiting lists. The Senate Committee on Appropriations has proposed an increase of $615 million, intended to preserve current benefit levels and serve the projected number of participants. This level may not be adequate, based on current estimates. I urge you to ensure that the final funding for WIC keeps pace with growing needs and rejects any cuts in monthly fresh fruit and vegetable benefits. Please communicate your support for WIC to congressional leadership in addition to the Appropriations Committees.