Media Contact:
Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
202-640-1118
Statement attributable to Crystal FitzSimons, president, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
WASHINGTON, August 3, 2025 — FRAC applauds bipartisan leaders in the Senate for overwhelmingly passing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill by a vote of 87–9, which fully funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This outcome honors Congress’ decades-long bipartisan commitment to meet the needs of WIC eligible participants, at-risk pregnant or postpartum individuals and young children.
The bill would provide $8.2 billion for WIC, a $500 million increase from FY 2025 to meet anticipated participation, while safeguarding the cash value benefit (CVB) that allows WIC participants to purchase fruits and vegetables.
By fully funding WIC, the Senate is protecting a critical lifeline that helps families build a healthy foundation for life. 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 and services. The program’s fruit and vegetable provision allows families to purchase more produce in the grocery store, providing greater access to critical nutrients that support healthy growth and development.
We are pleased to see the Senate unite behind improving maternal and child health and reducing hunger. We now urge the House to adopt the Senate’s version of the spending bill without delay to ensure seamless support for WIC.
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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.
