Casey Unveils Plan to Close the WIC Gap- Policy that Kicks Young PA Children Off Nutrition Assistance Before They Enter School
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), detailing county by county data, unveiled a plan to close the "WIC Gap' a policy that kicks young Pennsylvania children off of vital nutrition assistance before they enter school. Vulnerable children in Pennsylvania and across the nation are eligible for the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program up to age five at which point it was assumed many enter public school where they may qualify for school breakfast and lunch programs that continue to supplement their intake of healthy food choices. However, a child's birth date impacts their eligibility to enter school. A significant number of children remain ineligible for school well past their fifth birthday -- sometimes for as much as a year. Casey's legislation, the Wise Investment in our Children (WIC) Act would allow States to extend eligibility for children to age six in order to close the gap.
"When children have the right nutrition early in life they're healthier, do better in school and ultimately are better off when they enter the workforce," Senator Casey said. "By expanding WIC to age six we close that gap and ensure children have a strong health and nutrition foundation. No child should be placed at a nutritional disadvantage simply because of when their birthdate falls."
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