The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a Federal food assistance program that distributes Federal grants to State agencies. WIC provides benefits to over 6.2 million pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five who are low-income and nutritionally at risk. Benefits include supplemental nutrient-rich foods, health care and social service referrals, nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding resources and support, and immunizations assessments and screenings.

COVID-19 has posed significant challenges for participating in the WIC program and the delivery of its benefits to 6.2 million Americans.  The procedures required for participating in the program including in-person enrollment, biometric and certification appointments and food shopping became challenges during this public health crisis. The difficult health and economic circumstances during the pandemic have challenged USDA and WIC agencies to explore novel strategies including technology innovations for enrolling participants, re-certification procedures, providing nutrition education, delivering food benefits and other services.

Please visit our WIC FAQ, History, State Agency Map, and Benefits pages to learn more about the WIC Program. You can also find out more by clicking here for the USDA’s Fact Sheet on WIC.

Additional Resources for WIC During the Pandemic

FAQs: The Food and Nutrition Services COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page: Learn more here

FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic: Learn more here

 The Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Learn more here

WIC COVID-19 Waivers – Learn more here

 WIC COVID-19 Waivers by State – Learn more here