The following is a statement from Georgia Machell, president and CEO of the National WIC Association, on the proposed continuing resolution to fund the government through March 14, 2025.
“The National WIC Association is pleased that the proposed continuing resolution includes sufficient funding for WIC to meet its obligations to all current and anticipated participants for the next three months. Everyone who needs WIC should have access to it—full stop. We urge Congress to continue to adhere to this principle as it crafts the next round of appropriations funding for the remainder of the fiscal year.
“However, we are deeply disappointed that this bill fails to make permanent WIC’s authority to provide virtual services that have been essential to so many families over the past few years and are particularly critical now in regions affected by major natural disasters. State and Local WIC agencies have risen to the challenge in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, continuing to certify participants and provide critical nutrition benefits that support families amid catastrophe.
“These flexibilities have quickly become essential to the WIC experience in periods of both crisis and calm, but they are only as effective as WIC’s ability to provide them. Without additional action from Congress, WIC will lose the option to provide virtual certification and recertification appointments in 2026, which would mark a significant step backward for the program.
“Stable funding for WIC and a permanent extension of its virtual service authority must be top priorities for the incoming Congress. Doing so will ensure that WIC continues to provide critical health and nutrition support to any family that needs it.”