USDA Taps WIC Contingency Funds To Ensure Program Access for 7.8 Million Women, Infants and Children

USDA Press Release - FNS PR 0001-2004

WASHINGTON

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service today announced the availability of up to $75 million for state agencies administering USDA's special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

The funds are part of a reserve requested by President Bush and appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2003 to ensure adequate resources are available for this program when unanticipated costs arise. State agencies and local agencies use WIC funds to pay the costs of specified supplemental foods such as milk, eggs, juice, cereal, infant formula and nutrition services such as blood tests for anemia, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and health care referrals. Nutrition education is conducted through individual or group sessions to improve health status and achieve a positive change in dietary habits. Special emphasis is also given to appropriate infant feeding and to breastfeeding support and promotion.

Currently, some state agencies are experiencing greater than anticipated costs. By making these funds available, the Administration will help preserve program benefits for the 7.8 million women, infants and children projected to participate this fiscal year.

More information on the WIC program can be found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ .

Jean Daniel (202) 720-3310
Susan Acker (703) 305-2286