Extending WIC for New Moms Act
Current understanding
The Extending WIC for New Moms Act (introduced) would amend the Child Nutrition Act to allow states to certify breastfeeding and postpartum women for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for up to 24 months after the birth or termination of a pregnancy, extending current postpartum (typically 6 months) and breastfeeding (up to 12 months) certification windows. It also directs USDA to report to Congress on the effects of the extension on maternal and infant health outcomes, breastfeeding rates, and family experience with the program. Status: introduced.
Evidence log
- 2026-03-24 — Extending WIC for New Moms Act: cross-connection with wic-remote-certification-benefits: Both bills modify WIC certification: the Extending WIC for New Moms Act lengthens the certification period for postpartum and breastfeeding participants, while the MODERN WIC Act changes how certification and benefit issuance can be conducted remotely. (novelty: 3)