CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Proposed cuts to a federal nutrition program could impact thousands of Virginia families who rely on it to help feed their children.
Congress is considering cuts to the Women, Infants and Children program, commonly known as WIC. The program helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children buy food.
The proposal would cut $200 million from the program in 2027.
Organizations like the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank warn the cuts could put more pressure on families already struggling with grocery costs.
“Charitable food system cannot replace the federal nutrition programs,” said Les Sinclair, senior manager of communications and public relations for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “We are built to be the backup to those federal nutrition programs, not a replacement. Those are a bridge to help people get to a place where they can be self-reliant.”
Advocates warn reducing benefits could also make it harder for families to access healthy food during early childhood.
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