More than 8 million low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 received WIC benefits in 2014 — including food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. According to a new USDA report, in 2014 WIC served an estimated 54.8% of eligible women, infants, and children, down from 59.3% in 2013.
The program benefitted 80% of eligible infants, but just 46% of eligible children ages 1 to 5. From 2005–2014, WIC’s overall participation rate (participants compared to those eligible to receive benefits) has fluctuated within the range of 55 to 64%, reaching a high of 63.5% in 2011. Participation has been declining since 2011, reaching a low in 2014. (Later data are not available, but the total number of participants has dropped in the last three years).
Source: USDA, 9/29/17, WIC Declines
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