CBF supports full funding of WIC and passage of the Modern WIC Act

The Women, Infant and Children program (WIC) is one of nation’s most effective tools in the fight against hunger in the U.S. WIC began as an experiment in 1972 after Senator Robert F. Kennedy exposed the severe malnutrition in young children in the Mississippi Delta. The pilot program was so successful that in 1975, the program was made permanent and has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the 50 years since. CBF joins the chorus of religious denominations, faith-based advocacy groups and other organizations to call for the full funding of WIC and passage of the Modern WIC Act of 2025 (H.R. 1464).

Rev. Jennifer Hawks, CBF’s director of advocacy, released this statement in support of WIC:

“Few government programs have benefitted Americans as much as WIC—the program that ensures low-income mothers and young children have access to nutritious food. WIC feeds pregnant women, supports breastfeeding mothers and jumpstarts healthy living for children under the age of 5. With better prenatal care, mothers have healthier births, and healthier births reduce overall healthcare costs. Toddlers don’t go hungry but have access to milk, fruit and vegetables from American farms. New moms and babies need a fully funded WIC. Americans need the Modern WIC Act to modernize this vital program and position it to continue supporting low-income families and the American economy for the next 50 years.”

Led by the love of Christ, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship invites churches and individuals to partner in transforming God’s world, working together as a global community to spread good news, justice and hope through impactful ministries, missions and resources. Learn more about CBF at www.cbf.net.