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WIC Act of 2021

1/25/2024, 11:45 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2011

Bill 117 HR 2011, also known as the WIC Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to make improvements to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in order to better support low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.

The WIC Act of 2021 includes provisions to increase funding for the WIC program, expand eligibility criteria to reach more families in need, and enhance the nutritional quality of foods provided through the program. Additionally, the bill seeks to streamline administrative processes to make it easier for eligible individuals to enroll in and receive benefits from WIC.

One key aspect of the WIC Act of 2021 is its focus on addressing disparities in access to healthy foods and nutrition education among low-income populations. The bill includes measures to promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods, as well as initiatives to provide culturally appropriate nutrition education and support services. Overall, the WIC Act of 2021 aims to strengthen the WIC program and improve the health and well-being of women, infants, and children in need. By increasing funding, expanding eligibility, and enhancing the nutritional quality of foods provided through the program, this legislation has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations across the country.

Congressional Summary of HR 2011

Wise Investment in Children Act of 2021 or the WIC Act of 2021

This bill expands eligibility for children to receive benefits under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Specifically, the bill

  • extends eligibility for the program until the period that ends on the earlier of the sixth birthday of a child or when the child enters kindergarten;
  • extends the certification period under the program for infants to up to two years, instead of the current one year; and
  • increases the certification time under the program for postpartum women to a period of up to two years.

The bill also authorizes the Department of Agriculture to grant a waiver to a state, on request, that waives certification deadline requirements for the eligibility extensions if such state demonstrates there are unusual technological barriers to implementation, operational costs are not affordable within the nutrition services and administration grant of the state, or it is in the best interest of the program.

Current Status of Bill HR 2011

Bill HR 2011 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 18, 2021. Bill HR 2011 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on March 18, 2021.  Bill HR 2011's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor. as of March 18, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2011

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
60
Democrat Cosponsors
54
Republican Cosponsors
6
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2011

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Potential Impact Areas

- Child health
- Food assistance and relief
- Nutrition and diet
- Poverty and welfare assistance
- State and local government operations
- Women's health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2011

WIC Act of 2021
To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase the age of eligibility for children to receive benefits under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, and for other purposes.
WIC Act of 2021
Wise Investment in Children Act of 2021

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