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H.R. 10794: Improving Access to WIC Act

This bill would create a new federal grant program to help states make it easier for eligible families to get into and stay enrolled in WIC, the nutrition program for women, infants, and young children.

What the program would do

The Secretary of Agriculture would set up the grant program within one year after money becomes available. State WIC agencies could choose to apply for grants. If they opt in, they could use the money for activities that improve access to WIC, participation in WIC, and retention in WIC.

Examples of allowed activities

Outreach to people who may qualify for WIC.
Helping healthcare providers directly refer patients to WIC.
Creating a statewide standard process for those referrals.
Improving referral and notification systems through Head Start, preschools, elementary and secondary schools, and other locations or programs the Secretary approves.
Building or expanding secure data-sharing systems so healthcare providers can refer someone to WIC or, with consent, give local WIC agencies limited read-only access to needed clinical information for certification.
Making it easier for providers to send WIC-related documents such as height, weight, and hemoglobin measurements, with the person’s consent and subject to law.
Improving the application process, including by creating or expanding an online application.
Using data, only for WIC certification purposes, to identify and contact people who get Medicaid or SNAP but are not enrolled in WIC.

Limits on data use

Any data collected for these purposes could only be used to certify someone for WIC, keep someone enrolled in WIC, or carry out certain referral and documentation activities. The bill also says the information would be subject to existing confidentiality rules.

How the money would be divided

The bill authorizes $50 million per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Participating states would receive an initial amount of at least $200,000, to the extent practical, plus an additional amount based on each state’s share of WIC participants. Up to 5% of the appropriated money could be used for administrative expenses.

Reporting requirements

Within one year after the law is enacted, and every year after that when grants are operating, the Department of Agriculture would have to publish a report and send one to Congress. The report would describe how the program is working, including its effects on WIC participation and retention, and would list best practices for carrying out the outreach and referral activities.