Prenatal and Children’s Nutrition (Women, Infants, and Children Program–WIC)

Prenatal and Children’s Nutrition (Women, Infants, and Children Program–WIC)

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.

Thriving PA has identified policy priorities to remove barriers to access and increase participation in the state’s WIC program.

Policy Priorities

  • Improve cross-system and cross-department communication to streamline the application and recertification process for families.
  • Strengthen, diversify and increase the cultural competency of the WIC workforce.
  • Expand eligibility to age 6 to ensure children are able to receive benefits until they begin kindergarten and extend eligibility for postpartum women to two years.
  • Transition to an online Smart Card for redeeming WIC benefits, permanently implement telehealth policies, and utilize mobile units.
  • Increase awareness about the benefits of WIC among legislators, community-based organizations, healthcare professionals, and others who serve the WIC population.

 

Fast Facts

  • 61% of eligible infants, young children, and women participate in the Pennsylvania WIC program.
  • Of the 61% of Pennsylvanians participating in the WIC program, 78% of the participants are infants and young children.
  • White infants, toddlers, and women make up 41% of all WIC participants in Pennsylvania, followed by 30% of Hispanic individuals, and 21% of Black individuals.