Decline in WIC Participation Has Negative Health Implications for Women and Children

WASHINGTON, October 3, 2017 — More than 8 million low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 received benefits in 2014 through WIC — including food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. According to a report from the USDA, the program served 80 percent of eligible infants, but just 46 percent of eligible children ages one to five. The report reveals a trend of declining WIC participation.

New USDA Rules for Meals and Snacks in the Child and Adult Care Food Program Promote Healthy Eating Habits

WASHINGTON, September 28, 2017 — Starting October 1, 2017, all child and adult care centers and child care homes receiving federal funds from CACFP must implement new nutrition standards that include a greater variety of vegetables and fruit, more whole grains, and less added sugar and saturated fat. The new standards also encourage breastfeeding, and better align with WIC and other child nutrition programs, such as school breakfast and lunch.

Tags: CACFP

Poverty Data Highlight the Need for a Strong Safety Net

WASHINGTON, September 12, 2017 — The U.S. household poverty rate decreased in 2016, according to today’s Census Bureau annual release of income, poverty, and health insurance data. The poverty rate went from 13.5 in 2015 to 12.7 percent in 2016. While this progress is good, it merely underscores that poverty in this country remains much too high.

Tags: Hunger, SNAP

Millions Still Struggle Despite Drop in Number of Households Experiencing Food Insecurity

WASHINGTON, September 6, 2017 — More than 41 million Americans lived in households struggling with food insecurity — limited or uncertain access to enough food — in 2016. The 12.3 percent household food insecurity rate is still higher than the rate right before the Great Recession (11.1 percent in 2007). Studies show that food insecurity harms health, ability to learn, productivity, and the nation’s economic strength.

Tags: Hunger