Minnesota health leaders are celebrating 50 years of a special supplemental nutrition program called WIC. But what is WIC, and who benefits from it?
The program focuses on nutrition and breastfeeding for women, infants and children. Opportunities include nutrition education and counseling, foods and referrals for health and social services, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
"For half a century, WIC has increased access to healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham in a statement. “We’re celebrating 50 years of empowering families, building healthier communities and nurturing the future.”
WIC has grown in Minnesota since its adoption. In 2022, about 38% of all infants born in the state benefitted from the program, according to an MDH statement.
In recent years, WIC has provided more money to participants to purchase fruits and vegetables — $26 monthly for each child and about $50 for each woman.
“WIC took a huge step forward in 2024 by increasing the cash value benefit, so families can buy more whole fruits and vegetables, as they face increased prices at grocery stores,” said Minnesota WIC Director Kate Franken.
