Henry Bonilla: “I want to address the pressing need of adequate funding for the WIC program. At current funding levels, States may be…”

“I want to address the pressing need of adequate funding for the WIC program. At current funding levels, States may be unable to serve approximately 200,000 low-income mothers, infants and children. From my State of Connecticut alone, 1,300 people would not be served. We know that the WIC program currently serves about 47 percent of all infants born in the United States, and we know the WIC dollars are excellent investments. Every dollar spent on WIC yields more than $3 in savings to the government in reduced spending on programs such as Medicaid. WIC has contributed to better birth outcomes and reduction in childhood anemia, key indicators of the health of American children. The program provides mothers, infants, and children with nutritious supplemental food packages, nutrition education and counseling, and a gateway to pre- and post-natal health care. The program also reduces fetal deaths and infant mortality and reduces low birth-weight rates.”