​​​​​​​Declining Participation in Government Food Program Puts Nutritious Food Out of Reach for Many Families

• Author: Wilbert Raynor
• Posted: 2024-10-03

Finding fresh produce, milk, and other nutritious WIC-approved items has become increasingly challenging for low-income families as the number of stores participating in the US government's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Children declines.

The impact of this decline is far-reaching, affecting over 6 million people who rely on the program.

For Bianca Williams of Milwaukee, locating a store that accepts federal food benefits or offers quality produce has become tiresome.

With seven children, including two currently being breastfed, Williams made the difficult decision to rely on frozen Thanksgiving leftovers and assistance from family and friends due to the lack of accessible options.

Unlike food stamps, WIC-approved items cannot be purchased online, adding another layer of difficulty for families in need. Smaller stores and some big-name grocers struggle to meet the complex requirements of the program.

Over the past five years, changes in the program and the impact of the pandemic have led to a net loss of 353 vendors in Pennsylvania alone.

While many smaller stores participate in WIC to meet the needs of their communities, it often comes at a financial cost. The National Grocers Association highlights that participating in WIC is not necessarily profitable for these independent stores, with some even experiencing financial losses.

The transition to electronic benefits, known as eWIC, has made shopping easier for WIC participants. However, store owners, such as Michael Gay of Food Fresh in rural Claxton, Georgia, share their frustrations with the system, citing the time-consuming process of determining eligible items at the register.

Despite the challenges, Gay remains committed to providing WIC-approved products to ensure that families have access to essential items.

Major retailers such as Aldi, Trader Joe's, and Target have their own limitations when it comes to participating in WIC. Whether it's due to brand preferences or space constraints, these retailers cannot fully support the program's requirements.

Limited shelf space is also a challenge faced by smaller stores, preventing them from meeting the minimum stocking requirements stipulated by WIC.

The lack of accessibility to WIC-approved items and the inability to purchase groceries online create significant disparities. The USDA is currently reviewing a proposed rule to eliminate barriers to online WIC shopping, addressing the need for increased access and equity.

States like Louisiana and New Hampshire are actively working on recruitment plans to engage more stores in the program, particularly in rural areas where the impact of declining vendors is most pronounced.

Finding a balance between vendor certification and convenience is crucial to ensure that food shopping is convenient and accessible for all.

As the number of participating stores continues to decline, it is essential to address these challenges and find innovative solutions to ensure that low-income families have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.