WICked Games: Congress Plays with Benefits

In this episode, Ariel breaks down the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) as Congress moves to cut its benefits. She covers what WIC provides — cash benefits for healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services — plus eligibility and its history dating back to the early 1970s. She shares the data on WIC's impact, including major health care savings and improved birth and child health outcomes, then unpacks a House-passed bill that would strip $141 million in produce benefits from over 5.4 million participants, even as the administration's own MAHA report praises the program. The bill now heads to the Senate, and Ariel shares how to make your voice heard before the vote.This episode's good news is the reinstated flu vaccine mandate for U.S. service members after a major base outbreak. Also, stick around to hear Mattie talk about World Cup hospitality and what it says about public health.Recalls:Find all recent recalls at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alertsClipped News & Media: Forbes Breaking News: Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-CT) criticized cuts to WIC.4 News Now: "WIC prepares for, pushes back against potential funding cuts".Send us Fan MailSupport the showWant to support PHGC? Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter. Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here.Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend!---The views expressed on this episode are our own.We are available by email at [email protected] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.Theme music generated in Soundful.