hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Allows remote WIC applications and benefit delivery; provides temporary eligibility.
Senators Marshall and Gillibrand. Addresses WIC participants.
Introduced in the Senate, referred to committee.
This bill aims to modernize the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) by allowing participants to complete eligibility certifications and receive benefits remotely, using options like phone or video calls. It also establishes rules for temporarily certifying individuals while awaiting full nutritional assessments. The bill was introduced by Senators Marshall and Gillibrand in the Senate and is currently awaiting review by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
Introduced Feb 11, 2026
The 21st Century WIC Act of 2026 was introduced in the Senate on February 11, 2026. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for consideration. For this bill to become law, it must pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and then be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, you would no longer need to visit a WIC office in person for eligibility checks, recertification, or nutritional evaluations. Instead, you could use phone or video calls. WIC food benefits, like Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, could be mailed to you or issued remotely, removing the need for in-person pick-up or reloading. Also, if you meet income eligibility, you might qualify for temporary WIC benefits right away while waiting for your full nutritional assessment to be completed.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe this bill makes WIC services more accessible and convenient for families, reducing barriers to participation.
Critics Say
Concerns about accurately assessing health needs remotely are addressed by the bill's provisions for required follow-up data collection.
Proponents suggest that allowing remote access to WIC services will increase program participation, especially for those with transportation issues, childcare challenges, or demanding work schedules. While some may raise questions about the thoroughness of remote health screenings, the bill includes safeguards, requiring state agencies to collect anthropometric data (like height and weight) within 90 days of a remote certification to ensure proper nutritional risk evaluation.