UTMB secures record $10.3 million to expand WIC services across Southeast Texas

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) has secured a record $10.3 million in funding for fiscal year 2027 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

The funding will expand nutritional services for women, infants, and children across Southeast Texas, a milestone made possible through the leadership of Tammy Jimenez, MS, RD, LD, IBCLC, and the dedicated teams supporting the UTMB Health WIC program.

The award, nearly $1 million more than last year's funding, will support the UTMB Health network of 19 WIC clinics serving 15 Texas counties with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food resources, particularly in underserved communities.

Aimee Jackson, DNP, WHNP-BC, senior director of Clinical and Administrative Operations for Regional Women's Services and Pediatrics (RWSP) at UTMB Health, said the program's continued success reflects years of commitment to improving the health of women and children and that Jimenez's leadership was instrumental in securing the expanded funding.

"The funding we have secured will cover all costs for the program," Jackson said. "We could not run this program without Tammy and her team."

Jimenez, a registered dietitian and lactation consultant, said the funding will strengthen services that are essential to the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and young children.

"WIC is about much more than providing supplemental nutrition," Jimenez said. "When the program began in 1972, its primary purpose was to address iron-deficiency anemia in infants by providing iron-fortified formula. Since then, it has expanded to provide nutritious foods, education, and support for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as children through age 5."

That original mission remains central today. Women and children continue to be screened for iron deficiency during WIC certification appointments, helping identify nutritional concerns early and connect families with appropriate care.

Expanding services

The additional funding will allow UTMB Health to expand several key services, including expanding access to lactation consultants, registered dietitians, and breastfeeding peer counselors.

"In our most recent grant request, we asked for additional funding to expand access to lactation consultants, add more registered dietitians to provide evidence-based nutrition care, and increase the number of breastfeeding peer counselors," Jimenez said. "Those peer counselors are mothers who currently or previously received WIC benefits and have successfully breastfed a child. The goal is to provide accessible, peer-to-peer support."

The increased funding also will allow the UTMB Health WIC program to participate in the Texas Summer Meals Program.

"Next summer, when school is out, families will be able to receive meals at two locations when school breakfasts and lunches are not available," she said.

More families qualify than they realize

Through community outreach efforts, both Jackson and Jimenez hope more families learn they may already qualify for WIC services.

"In Texas, about half the women who give birth qualify for pregnancy Medicaid, so they automatically qualify for WIC," Jackson said. "That means about half of pregnant women in Texas could be eligible for WIC assistance and not realize it. It's possible to earn a higher income and still qualify for services. So, when in doubt, seek us out!"

Jackson said approximately 40,000 participants receive WIC services through UTMB Health each month.

"We can and do have a large impact on women and children in our region," she said. "It's been Tammy's life's work to bridge gaps for these underserved women and children. We can continue serving families with the help of passionate leaders like Tammy at UTMB."