Millions of Women Could Get Expanded WIC Benefits Under Proposed Bill
Summary
A new bill called the Momnibus Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to improve maternal health. One major change would let more low-income mothers keep getting nutritional help from the WIC program for up to two years after birth, instead of the current shorter periods.Key Facts
- The Momnibus Act was introduced on August 6 by Senator Cory Booker and other Democrats.
- The bill includes many maternal health initiatives, such as more support for veterans and mental health grants.
- Currently, most non-breastfeeding mothers can get WIC benefits for six months after birth; the bill would extend this to 24 months.
- Breastfeeding mothers now get WIC benefits for one year postpartum; the bill proposes increasing this to 24 months too.
- WIC benefits include cash for fruits and vegetables, milk, cereal, bread, fish, eggs, legumes, and peanut butter.
- The bill mandates a government report within two years to study how the expanded WIC benefits affect health and racial disparities.
- The bill defines the postpartum period as one year after pregnancy to better address ongoing maternal health needs.
- WIC also provides infant formula when needed for breastfeeding or medical reasons.
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