Research Report National and State-Level Estimates of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Eligibles and Program Reach, 2012
Paul Johnson, Linda Giannarelli, Erika Huber, David Betson
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This report provides eligibility estimates for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC. WIC serves low-income infants, children under age 5, and pregnant and postpartum women. It provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to other services. Using survey data for 2012, the project found 14.1 million individuals were eligible for WIC in an average month, including 61 percent of all infants. Overall, 63 percent of eligible people participated. Infants had the highest coverage rate (85 percent). The report also gives estimates of eligibility and coverage rates across states and over time.
Research Areas Social safety net
Tags Poverty Hunger and food assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental nutrition - Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Assistance for women and children
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center