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The health and well-being of approximately 25,000 Colorado families are in jeopardy if Congress does not sufficiently fund a national program for infants, children, and pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum adults.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children — known as WIC — provides food assistance, along with other health and nutrition supports, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as for children under the age of 5 — some of the most important years for brain development and healthy growth. It’s geared towards low-income families who may struggle to access adequate nutrition and health care due to high costs of living, low wages, inflation and other life storms. Food benefits can be used at WIC-authorized retailers to purchase infant formula, baby food, fruits, vegetables, and other approved, nutritious foods.
Right now, the U.S. Senate and House appropriations bills do not fully fund this program, meaning there could be a $1 billion shortfall this year. The current continuing resolution that provides funding for WIC is scheduled to expire on March 1.