When did the WIC program start?
Jackson Reed
Updated on January 18, 2026
1972
Established as a pilot program in 1972 and made permanent in 1974, WIC is administered at the federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Who is WIC owned by?
WIC is a public health nutrition program under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is a domestic discretionary program funded annually through the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committee.
Which president started the WIC program?
On Nov 10, 1978, President Carter signed into law S-3085, the Child Nutrition Amendments of 1978, which contain provisions for the continuation of funding for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
What is WIC in America?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are …
Where does WIC money come from?
How Is WIC Funded? WIC is federally funded through the annual appropriations process; states are not required to contribute funds. Since 1997, Congress — on a bipartisan basis — has provided sufficient funding each year for WIC to serve all eligible applicants. The program receives approximately $6 billion annually.
Is WIC successful?
WIC saves lives and improves the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children. The results of studies conducted by FNS and other non-government entities prove that WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs.
Is WIC a word?
WIC n. Acronym of women, infants and children.
What is the history of the WIC program?
WIC was created as a 2-year pilot program in 1972 by an amendment to the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and was made permanent in 1975. The program was established during a time of growing public concern about malnutrition among low-income moth- ers and children.
How can I get a job with WIC?
To apply at state WIC agencies, to work in the WIC program at the state or local level, the best thing to do is to contact the state agency directly. Many of the state agencies have websites which list job openings and instructions on how to apply.
What race uses WIC the most?
Enrollment for the WIC Program in April 2016 totaled 8,815,472*. Of this total, Whites accounted for 5,168,190 (58.63%), Blacks/African Americans 1,829,374 (20.75%), American Indian/Alaskan Natives 906,698 (10.29%), Multiple Race 508,750 (5.77%), Asians 317,604 (3.60%), Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders 69,882 (0.79%).
How many stores are authorized to sell WIC food?
WIC’s a federal program, but each state manages it, so the requirements can vary considerably. About 47,000 authorized retailers sell WIC food to clients already, but in many states, you can still apply to add your business to the list.
When was the WIC program established in the US?
By the end of 1974, WIC was operating in 45 states. On October 7, 1975, WIC was established as a permanent program (P.L. 94-105). Eligibility was extended to non-breastfeeding women (up to six months postpartum) and children up to 5 years of age.
How can I enroll my business in the WIC program?
To enroll your business in the WIC program, contact your state’s department of health or a regional WIC vendor-management office. While state regulations may vary, the only way to get involved with WIC in 2020 is to have a retail store or pharmacy that sells nutritious food.
What do you need to know about WIC?
What is WIC? WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutritious foods (primarily through retail grocery stores), nutrition counseling, and referrals to health care and social services.
