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WIC Act of 2023

1/24/2024, 8:45 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3364

Bill 118 hr 3364, also known as the WIC Act of 2023, 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 serve low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children.

One of the key provisions of the bill is to increase funding for the WIC program in order to expand access to nutritious foods and support services for eligible participants. This includes increasing the amount of funding available for fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods that are essential for the health and well-being of pregnant women and young children.

Additionally, the bill seeks to streamline the application process for WIC benefits in order to make it easier for eligible individuals to enroll in the program. This includes simplifying the documentation requirements and expanding outreach efforts to ensure that all those who qualify for WIC are able to access the benefits. Furthermore, the WIC Act of 2023 includes provisions to improve the quality of nutrition education and counseling provided to WIC participants. This includes increasing funding for nutrition education programs and ensuring that all WIC participants receive comprehensive and evidence-based information on healthy eating habits and food choices. Overall, the WIC Act of 2023 aims to strengthen and improve the WIC program in order to better support the health and well-being of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. By increasing funding, streamlining the application process, and enhancing nutrition education services, the bill seeks to ensure that all those who qualify for WIC are able to access the benefits they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Congressional Summary of HR 3364

Wise Investment in Children Act of 2023 or the WIC Act of 2023

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 3364

Bill HR 3364 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 16, 2023. Bill HR 3364 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 16, 2023.  Bill HR 3364's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. as of May 16, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3364

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
10
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
4
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3364

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3364

WIC Act of 2023
WIC Act of 2023
Wise Investment in Children Act of 2023
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.

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