The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal assistance program of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its official inception occurred in 1974. This marked the culmination of efforts to address nutritional deficiencies observed among vulnerable populations.
The establishment of this initiative was driven by concerns regarding the adverse effects of inadequate nutrition on maternal health, infant development, and childhood well-being. This program aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk by providing supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education. Its benefits are wide-ranging, contributing to improved birth outcomes, reduced rates of anemia, and enhanced access to healthcare for underserved communities. Historically, it represents a significant step toward recognizing and addressing the critical role of nutrition in early life and maternal health.