WIC supports health and food security in our community.

Changes to the food packages provided by the WIC Program have been in the news lately, and we're so excited about it! These changes give more food choices, flexibility for special diets and cultural food preferences, and better balance to address key nutritional needs. These updates, created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), are an important step to increasing food security and nutrition security in our community. 

Let's take a look at how the WIC Program works, why it matters, and how it helps make Dane County a healthier place for all.

How does the WIC Program help with food security?

The WIC Program has been part of the nation's nutrition safety net for over 50 years, with strong bipartisan support for its mission. WIC provides monthly food benefits to women, infants, and children under the age of five, including formula and baby food. People who participate in the program also receive nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to services like Head Start, BadgerCare, and more. 

The WIC Program:

• Provides critical nutrition for key developmental windows in a young child's life
• Supports parents during and after pregnancy
• Stabilizes families economically during a period of tremendous change

In Dane County, 10.7% (or 60,190) people were food insecure in 2023. And 8.4% of adults reported that they always, usually, or sometimes ran out of food. Food prices have increased over the last few years and in 2023, 10% of Dane County families lived under the federal poverty level, with an additional 26% of families living under the ALICE threshold (meaning they earn more than the poverty level but earn less than the cost of living). 

Many working families use WIC. There are income guidelines, but people can also qualify if they use programs like BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, Wisconsin Works, Foster care, Kinship care, and more. According to the USDA, in 2023, about half of infants and children, and more than one third of pregnant women in the United States were eligible to participate in WIC. Here in Wisconsin, 56% of eligible people participated in the program. 

The WIC Program is vital to our community's food safety net

With food insecurity directly tied to the cost of living, food safety nets are more important than ever. We compare a community framework of food security to a table with four legs that help it stand. Nutrition assistance programs like WIC are one of those legs of the table. It reduces the financial stress of buying healthy groceries, which can help low-income families afford access to healthier, more nutritious food choices. 

When healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food is harder to afford, families may choose less healthy or cheaper alternatives. This can create long-term negative health outcomes. WIC helps fill that gap. 

How do I apply for WIC benefits?

To apply for WIC in Dane County, Wisconsin, visit our WIC webpage or visit wicmomstrong.com to see if you are eligible for the program. You can call us at 608-267-1111 to learn more. 

How can I learn more about food insecurity in our community?

Check out our supporting food security webpage, where you can learn more in our food insecurity report!