Media Contact:
Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
202-640-1118
Statement attributable to Crystal FitzSimons, president, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2025 — FRAC commends the Senate Appropriations Committee for advancing a Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill yesterday that fully funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Unlike the budget proposal from the White House and WIC funding in the House Appropriations-passed bill, this bipartisan Senate version upholds the 30-year commitment to protect WIC, including no cuts to benefits. The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously agreed on fully funding WIC at $8.2 billion, an estimated $500 million increase from fiscal year 2025 to meet the expected increase in WIC participation. Additionally, the Senate bill does not cut the highly popular cash value benefit (CVB) that allows WIC participants to purchase fruits and vegetables.
By supporting and strengthening WIC, the Senate Appropriations Committee demonstrates its commitment to improving maternal and child health and reducing hunger.
WIC is one of the nation’s largest federal nutrition programs, serving millions of individuals and young children, including nearly 40 percent of all infants born in the U.S. The program provides pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and young children with nutritious foods, nutrition education, and improved access to health care. Any delay or reduction in program funding would harm those who rely on WIC benefits as a critical foundation for long-term health.
The expanded fruit and vegetable provision, made permanent in the 2024 WIC food package, increased from $9 to $26 a month for children, and from $11 to $47 a month for postpartum individuals and $52 for breastfeeding individuals. This benefit allows families to purchase more produce in the grocery store, providing critical nutrients that support healthy growth and development.
Congress must now build on that momentum and advance the Senate bill and ensure that WIC and the CVB are fully funded in any short-term or long-term spending bill. Our nation’s youngest children and their families can’t wait.
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The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.
