Senators Marshall & Gillibrand Reintroduce 21st Century WIC Act to Modernize Access, Protect Program Integrity

Washington - On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) introduced the 21^st Century WIC Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) while strengthening safeguards to ensure benefits are delivered to those who truly need them.

The legislation allows WIC participants to complete certification and recertification through secure phone or video appointments, while still requiring at least one in-person visit to maintain oversight, verify eligibility, and support appropriate health screenings. By pairing modern technology with in-person accountability, the bill helps reduce the risk of fraud and misuse while preserving access for eligible families and bringing WIC into the next generation for moms and their children.

"For families in rural Kansas and across the country, repeated trips to a government office can be a real hardship," said Senator Marshall. "This legislation keeps an important in-person safeguard while using modern technology to cut waste, prevent abuse, and make sure WIC works the way it should - efficiently, responsibly, and with compassion for the families it serves."

"No child in America should go hungry. Making WIC work better for families is one of the most effective ways we can help children and mothers get the nutrition they need to thrive," said Senator Gillibrand. "Families shouldn't face unnecessary barriers when we have the technology to improve WIC participation. By providing greater flexibility for WIC participants, we can ensure red tape doesn't stand in the way of parents working to put food on the table. I'm proud to partner with Senator Marshall to introduce this bipartisan legislation and support families across the country."

"21st century families need 21st century care. Virtual WIC services are critical to lowering barriers so families can access healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and health referrals. Research by the National WIC Association and the Nutrition Policy Institute found that 80% of participants surveyed said virtual services reduced preexisting barriers like transportation. The 21st Century WIC Act will help ensure families, especially in rural areas, can continue accessing WIC while maintaining the highest standards of program integrity. We are so grateful to Senators Marshall and Gillibrand for their leadership on this key issue." said Georgia Machell, President and CEO, National WIC Association.

The two waivers proposed to be codified in this bill would:

• Allow participants to get WIC certification or recertification through video, teleconference, or phone.
• Allow participants to receive their WIC benefits on WIC EBT cards through mail or remote issuance instead of physically picking up or reloading benefits in person at a WIC office.

The legislation also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to submit a report to Congress outlining the uses of remote technologies, the impact of remote technologies, and best practices.

Click here to read the full text of the legislation.

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