This bill proposes to significantly expand eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend the postpartum eligibility period for new mothers from the current six months to 24 months . Concurrently, the legislation also extends WIC eligibility for breastfeeding mothers from one year to 24 months , providing a longer duration of nutritional support. These extensions aim to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes by ensuring continued access to critical resources during a crucial developmental period. Finally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture submit a report to Congress within two years. This report will evaluate the effects of these amendments on various factors, including maternal and infant health outcomes, racial and ethnic disparities, breastfeeding rates, and the overall experiences of families participating in the WIC program.
This bill proposes to significantly expand eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend the postpartum eligibility period for new mothers from the current six months to 24 months . Concurrently, the legislation also extends WIC eligibility for breastfeeding mothers from one year to 24 months , providing a longer duration of nutritional support. These extensions aim to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes by ensuring continued access to critical resources during a crucial developmental period. Finally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture submit a report to Congress within two years. This report will evaluate the effects of these amendments on various factors, including maternal and infant health outcomes, racial and ethnic disparities, breastfeeding rates, and the overall experiences of families participating in the WIC program.