State of WIC Policy

On March 3, 2026 NGA held a briefing on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Ali Hard, Public Policy Director at the National WIC Association, told Governors' advisors that top priorities for her organization are:

Virtual Services

WIC has been operating under a temporary authority allowing remote/virtual appointments since 2021, which has been highly effective at reducing barriers for participants, particularly in rural areas and for working families. WIC's temporary virtual/remote service authority is at risk of expiring in late 2026. Two bipartisan bills have been introduced to make virtual services permanent, and appropriations is seen as the only realistic path forward this legislative session. Losing virtual services would likely cause an immediate drop in participation, as remote access has been a major driver of recent enrollment growth. States and territories could face significant operational and financial burdens if forced to return to fully in-person service delivery

Funding

The program anticipates needing more funding than last year due to rising food costs, participation growth, and increasing infant formula rebate costs. Advocates are pushing to protect existing benefits, particularly the fruit and vegetable benefit. The contingency fund needs to be strengthened to provide at least a month's buffer, as the current level proved insufficient during the recent shutdown. States and territories need greater flexibility to use prior-year funds, especially during emergencies

Additional Ask

Online shopping for WIC benefits remains limited and advocates are pushing USDA for clearer rules to expand access