Sponsors (88)
The bill extends WIC nutrition and breastfeeding support to 24 months postpartum—likely improving health and reducing food insecurity for many low-income families—while increasing federal costs and posing administrative and service-delivery challenges that will need funding and clear implementation guidance.
Low-income postpartum people and their infants/toddlers will have WIC nutrition support and breastfeeding-related benefits available for up to 24 months after birth, improving maternal recovery and child nutrition during the first two years.
Extending WIC coverage to 24 months may reduce food insecurity and related short- and long-term health costs for low-income families during a critical caregiving period.
Congress will receive evidence-based findings within two years about health impacts, disparities, and family experiences to inform future policy and program decisions.
Expanding eligibility to 24 months increases federal program costs, creating budgetary pressure that may require offsets or higher taxpayer funding.
Local WIC offices and service providers could face staffing and resource strain if funding or operational support isn't increased, leading to delays or reduced service quality for participants.
The bill's use of a one-year 'postpartum' definition alongside 24-month eligibility may create administrative confusion about enrollment and benefit determination, requiring clarifying guidance and raising risk of implementation errors.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced March 24, 2026 by Lucy Mcbath · Last progress March 24, 2026
Extends the WIC program’s time periods for postpartum and breastfeeding eligibility so more new mothers and their infants can receive WIC services for a longer period after birth. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress within two years on health effects, breastfeeding rates, participant experiences, and disparities. The bill changes statutory eligibility language to make postpartum and breastfeeding support available up to 24 months after birth, and includes a definition of “postpartum” as the one-year period beginning on the last day of pregnancy, which may need administrative clarification given the 24-month eligibility extensions.