Essential food services for infants and children could expire at the end of the year. Take action.
Right now, the state and local agencies that administer the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have temporary flexibilities that allow them to enroll families by phone or video appointment and load benefits remotely. However, without congressional action, the future of those flexibilities is uncertain. Without them, young families could face more barriers to accessing healthy food, nutrition services and breastfeeding support. Congress can fix this by providing permanent authority for flexible WIC services in any Continuing Resolution (CR) before the end of the year (a CR is a must-pass funding bill to keep the government open after December 11, 2026).
As the season of Advent nears, Christians are reminded of Mary, who proclaimed through her song, the Magnificat, that God fills the hungry with good things (Luke 1:53). Her witness continues to call us to ensure that all families have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Through ELCA World Hunger and congregational food ministries, the ELCA accompanies families who count on WIC for formula, healthy food and breastfeeding support. For a new mother without transportation, paid leave or ability to leave their in-person job to make a faraway appointment, virtual confirmation from a WIC administrator can be the difference between a child being fed and going hungry. If the waivers are allowed to lapse, it could have a profound impact on rural families in particular, who often need to travel much farther to make appointments in person.
Take action today. Send a message to your members of Congress. Ask them by customizing your message to include an extension of WIC's remote service options in any continuing resolution.
[Posted: 11/11/2026]
