Summary
President Donald Trump's administration has proposed a significant reduction in the fruit and vegetable benefits for the WIC program in its 2027 budget request. This change could affect the nutritious food access of families relying on WIC, which supports low-income women, infants, and children. Congress previously rejected similar cuts, opting instead to boost WIC funding.
Key Facts
- The WIC program provides nutrition support to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children.
- Current WIC benefits for fiscal year 2026 include $26 per month for children and $52 for breastfeeding participants.
- The proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 suggests reducing these benefits to $10 for children and $13 for breastfeeding participants.
- The proposal includes a $500 million increase to WIC's contingency fund.
- Nutrition experts link WIC to better dietary intake and child health outcomes.
- Congress rejected similar budget cuts for fiscal year 2026.
- Nearly all states have implemented changes to WIC food packages including more options for fruits and vegetables.
- Walmart accepts WIC benefits in most locations, but online use is limited to certain states.
