The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, is under threat of significant cuts by the federal government. Right now, the House Appropriations Committee has advanced a budget proposal that follows the Trump administration’s plan to slash WIC benefits. Specifically, it would cut the fruit and vegetable portion of WIC benefits by 10% in the FY 2026 budget.
What does this mean for Missouri families? A child WIC participant in Missouri would experience a $3-$16 cut per month to their fruit and vegetable benefits, and moms will lose even more – a significant loss for families already struggling with food insecurity.
Fruit and Vegetable Benefit Cuts
| Proposal | Amount for Children | Amount for Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Current | $26 | $47 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for fully and partially breastfeeding participants |
| White House | $10 | $13 |
| House | 10% cut to current level | 10% cut to current level |
| Senate | Does not make cuts | Does not make cuts |
There is some good news. In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a bill that maintains full funding for WIC, rejecting the proposed cuts. Now the two chambers will have to resolve their differences, and the outcome will determine whether Missouri families lose critical nutrition support.
How WIC’s Fruit and Vegetable Benefit Works
WIC helps families purchase healthy food by providing a food package tailored to each participant’s age and nutritional needs. The food package includes whole grains, milk, eggs, cereal, infant food, canned fish, beans, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables. This very specific list of approved items is why you see small “WIC Eligible” signs on grocery store shelves.
The fruit and vegetable portion of the package works similarly to SNAP. WIC participants have an electronic card that can be used to purchase a set dollar amount of fruits and vegetables each month. In 2021, Congress increased the dollar amount of the fruit and vegetable benefit (also called the Cash Value Benefit, or CVB) to align with expert dietary recommendations. The results were immediate and powerful: research found that young children on WIC increased their fruit and vegetable consumption by an average of one-third cup per day. That is exactly the kind of evidence-based nutrition support families need, and the exact benefit now at risk.
Why WIC Matters
- Breastfeeding and nutrition education: WIC does more than just help pay for groceries. Participants receive personalized breastfeeding help and nutrition counseling, building a strong foundation for lifelong health.
- Access to fruits and vegetables early in life: Eating healthy from the start helps kids grow, focus in school, and develop good eating habits. Cutting the CVB means fewer opportunities for children to access the nutrients they need during crucial stages of development.
- Improved health outcomes: Research consistently shows that WIC improves birth outcomes, reduces childhood obesity risk, and supports long-term health. One USDA study found that WIC participation reduces the likelihood of low birthweight by as much as 23%.
Join the National WIC Association in asking Congress to support full funding of the WIC program in the FY26 federal budget aquí.
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