Extending WIC for New Moms Act

This bill would allow states to extend the eligibility period for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to up to 24 months for both breastfeeding and postpartum women. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture would be required to report to Congress on how these eligibility extensions affect maternal and infant health, breastfeeding rates, and family experiences. These changes would double the current maximum certification periods of one year for breastfeeding women and six months for postpartum women.

This bill affects breastfeeding and postpartum women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) by extending their eligibility periods for benefits. State WIC programs are also affected, as they are granted the option to certify these individuals for up to 24 months. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture is required to evaluate and report on how these changes impact participating families and health outcomes.

• Extension of WIC eligibility for breastfeeding women. State programs would have the option to certify breastfeeding women for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for up to 24 months postpartum, an increase from the current one-year limit.
• Extension of WIC eligibility for postpartum women. The bill expands the eligibility period for postpartum women to receive WIC benefits for up to 24 months after the termination of a pregnancy, extending the current six-month limit.
• Mandatory report on program outcomes. The Department of Agriculture is required to submit a report to Congress evaluating how these eligibility changes affect maternal and infant health, breastfeeding rates, and family experiences within the program.

This bill amends the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) by extending the existing eligibility periods for breastfeeding and postpartum participants.

The bill aims to extend the eligibility periods for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for breastfeeding and postpartum women to up to 24 months. Additionally, it requires an evaluation of how these extended eligibility periods impact maternal and infant health, breastfeeding rates, and family experiences.