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Why We Need the Modern WIC Act Now
A Critical Moment for Families
We are at a key moment to make sure flexible WIC services become permanent. If the rules in the Modern WIC Act aren’t passed soon, the way WIC is delivered to families could change drastically by October 2026. The Senate has passed a companion bill, “The 21st Century WIC Act,” which has the same goals as the Modern WIC Act, so it gets these rules a step closer to being made permanent by Congress.
For 50 years, WIC has helped moms and babies stay healthy by providing good food and support. In 2020, as a trial, the program started offering telehealth WIC certifications, breastfeeding help, and nutrition education, which wasn’t allowed before. The USDA also agreed to temporary rules to allow families to buy WIC foods online for pickup. These changes have made WIC services and access much easier to access and use, but these options might go away if the law isn't updated.
Making it Easier to Get WIC
Families will still need to see a WIC certifier or health care provider to show they qualify. However, this new law would let people sign up for WIC, receive education, support, and benefits over the phone or through video calls. It would also allow the rules to change so more grocery stores could offer online ordering.
The Modern/21st Century WIC Act helps working parents because they won’t have to miss work or find extra childcare for in-person visits. It is also a huge help for people in rural areas or those with transportation barriers, as it means less travel. Allowing more grocery stores to offer online ordering reduces hassles at the checkout, simplifies finding WIC-approved foods, and reduces the stigma of being on WIC. Reducing all these hurdles helps more kids get the nutrition they need to grow up strong.
Take Action
It is time for Congress to act. Making these changes permanent will ensure that WIC works better for the next generation of families.
You can send a message to your U.S. Representatives through the National WIC Association’s website or sign up to join Nutrition First and DOH as we educate lawmakers virtually in May- June 2026!
