Forecasting WIC Funding Needs: Supporting Families, Strengthening Access

Published: July 2026

ID #: 383003372

Publisher: National WIC Association

Authors: Kessler C, Hard A, Wakar B, Page N, Menefee-Libey N, Gleason S

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In partnership with Westat and with support from Healthy Eating Research, the National WIC Association (NWA) developed a new forecasting model to project funding needs of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for Fiscal Year 2027.

Report

This report describes the model development, including methodology, as well as analysis conducted using the model to project funding needs for Fiscal Year 2027. Additionally, the report includes analysis of the impact of current funding proposals for FY 2027 on WIC access and revenue for food producers and retailers. Finally, the report concludes with NWA’s recommendations to ensure WIC can continue serving all eligible families seeking support.

Policy Brief

This policy brief summarizes projected WIC participation and food costs, compares estimated funding needs against current FY 2027 funding proposals, and outlines the potential impact of underfunding on WIC access. It also includes NWA’s recommendations to ensure WIC can continue serving all eligible families seeking support.

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Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs

State: National

Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)

Resource Types: Report, Research Brief

Keywords: Supportive family policies, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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