WIC

WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal assistance program in the United States that provides nutrition education, nutritious foods, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as to infants and young children up to age five who are determined to be at nutrition risk.

It is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service and implemented by state and local agencies. As a nationwide program, WIC operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Eligibility generally requires income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, state residency, and a determination of nutritional risk by a health professional. Benefits include the provision of specific nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and promotion, and referrals to health care and social services. Food benefits are issued as vouchers or electronic benefits (EBT) that restrict purchases to approved foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, protein foods, and infant formula when needed. The program also includes the Farmers Market Nutrition Program in many areas.

WIC was established in 1972 and became a nationwide program in the mid-1970s. It has been associated with improvements in birth outcomes, diet quality, immunization rates, and breastfeeding initiation and duration. It is funded through federal appropriations with state and local contributions, and it coexists with other nutrition programs such as SNAP.

Criticism and challenges include concerns about costs and fraud, stigma associated with participation, and access barriers. During emergencies, some benefits and delivery methods have been temporarily expanded.