Children need access to nutrition for their growing bodies and minds to be healthy and develop as they should. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a key component in ensuring infants, toddlers, and pregnant and postpartum mothers access healthy nutrition. Participation in Pennsylvania’s WIC program has declined significantly in recent years. We are working to reverse that trend so children and families across the commonwealth have the nutritional support they need to thrive.
Policy Priorities
Increase participation in Pennsylvania’s WIC program through modernization efforts that promote and support ease of access to nutritional supports for pregnant and postpartum women and young children by:
- Improving WIC technology to remove barriers to access and meet families where they are by developing an online Smart Card to redeem WIC benefits and permanently implementing telehealth policies.
- Integrating and improving cross-system communications to simplify the application and recertification process for families.
- Strengthening and diversifying the WIC workforce, including support for cultural competency and equity professional development opportunities for WIC staff and vendors.
- Expanding eligibility to age 6 so children can receive benefits until kindergarten begins.
- Modernizing outreach methods, such as texting and social media, to capture more eligible WIC participants, including education for community-based organizations, health care professionals, and other service providers on the benefits of the WIC program.