Congress should provide an additional $1 billion for the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program in January when it votes on funding for the USDA and several other federal departments, said Biden administration officials on Wednesday. Otherwise, up to 2 million parents and children could be denied benefits by next September, and “that is simply unacceptable,” said Neera Tanden, a White House domestic policy adviser, during a teleconference.
“It is crucial Congress provide additional funds for WIC in January,” said Xochitl Torres Small, USDA deputy secretary.
Rising food costs and increased enrollment are driving up the cost of WIC. The White House initially asked for $6.3 billion for the program in fiscal 2024, the amount backed by the Democratic-controlled Senate, and requested an additional $1 billion this fall. The Republican-led House has proposed $6 billion for WIC, the same level as in fiscal 2023.