Millions of low-income mothers may soon receive extended nutritional assistance after childbirth, thanks to a new Senate proposal addressing maternal health issues in the U.S. The Momnibus Act, introduced on August 6 by Senator Cory Booker and other Democratic lawmakers, includes various maternal health initiatives. These initiatives range from increased funding for veterans’ maternity care to a $25 million grant supporting maternal mental health. Notably, the act proposes expanding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC.
Expanding WIC Eligibility
The bill aims to extend the duration postpartum women can access WIC benefits. Currently, most women not breastfeeding receive WIC benefits for six months postpartum. The proposed legislation extends this eligibility to 24 months.
- Existing Benefits:
- $48 for fruits and vegetables
- 64 ounces of juice
- 16 quarts of cow’s milk
- 36 ounces of cereal
- 48 ounces of whole grain bread
- 10 ounces of canned fish
- One dozen eggs
- One pound of dry legumes or 64 ounces canned
- 18 ounces of peanut butter
Breastfeeding mothers are currently eligible for WIC benefits for one year. The bill would also extend this to 24 months for them.
- Existing Benefits for Breastfeeding Mothers:
- $52 for fruits and vegetables
- 64 ounces of juice
- 24 quarts of cow’s milk
- 36 ounces of cereal
- 48 ounces of whole grain bread
- 20 ounces of canned fish
- Two dozen eggs
- One pound of dry legumes or 64 ounces canned
- 18 ounces of peanut butter
If passed, the changes allow mothers nutritional support and other services for two years post-birth, enhancing outcomes for mothers and infants. A report will be required to assess the impact of these changes, focusing on health outcomes and any racial disparities encountered in the WIC program.
WIC and Infant Formula
WIC provides significant support with infant formula. Families can receive formula if medically necessary or if the parent opts out of breastfeeding.
- Partially Formula-fed Infants:
- Up to 364 ounces of iron-fortified formula for three months
- Up to 442 ounces for four to five months
- Fully Formula-fed Infants:
- Up to 806 ounces of formula for three months
- Up to 884 ounces for four to five months
State WIC agencies negotiate contracts with formula suppliers, so available brands may vary. Specialized formulas are also covered when medically prescribed.
Eligibility and Participation
WIC serves pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children under five. Applicants need to meet income requirements and be assessed for nutritional risk by a healthcare professional.
Most states qualify households earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level. Individuals eligible for programs like Medicaid and SNAP automatically meet WIC’s income criteria. Despite this, many qualifying families do not utilize WIC benefits; over 50% of SNAP and Medicaid recipients eligible for WIC do not participate, as reported by the USDA.
WIC vs. SNAP
Though both WIC and SNAP are federal nutrition programs, they differ in purpose. SNAP provides benefits for a wide array of food items based on household income. In contrast, WIC targets specific nutritional needs of pregnant women, mothers, and young children, offering specialized support like breastfeeding assistance and nutrition education.
Families often use both programs, reflecting the needs of low-income households that rely on federal nutrition efforts. WIC’s focus on maternal and child health distinguishes its offerings from SNAP’s more general food support.
The Momnibus Act has garnered support from 28 co-sponsors, including independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, aligning with the Democrats to push for Republican backing to pass the bill.
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