In Alaska, a state known for its rugged beauty and resilient people, there is a challenge that often goes unnoticed: food insecurity among our youngest and most vulnerable. The Federal Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has been a beacon of hope for thousands of Alaskan families, providing essential nutrition and family support. However, this lifeline is under threat as its full funding faces significant risks in Congress.
The stakes are high. An estimated 4,000 women, infants, and children in Alaska are at risk of losing access to this vital nutritional support in 2024. This is particularly alarming given that nearly 13% of Alaskan children live in homes without adequate food. The potential reduction in WIC funding could not only increase waiting lists but also exacerbate the caseload crisis that the State of Alaska is currently grappling with. It is a situation that Alaska, striving to provide pathways out of poverty, cannot afford. Understanding the broader impact of WIC requires a look at Alaska’s food system. It’s a diverse and intricate network encompassing businesses, organizations, agencies, and individuals.
This system doesn’t thrive on solitary efforts; it’s the collaboration and interconnectivity of these elements that strengthen the state. Fully funding WIC is an essential thread in this fabric, supporting not only families in need but also grocery stores, food banks, farmers’ markets, and local producers. WIC’s role is pivotal in fortifying the resilience of our food system, benefiting both consumers and contributors.
Beyond providing healthy food, WIC plays a critical role in promoting the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, new mothers, and young children. The program offers more than just nourishment; it provides tools for building a foundation of healthy eating habits.
Personalized nutrition information, breastfeeding support, and connections to medical and dental care, health insurance, childcare, housing assistance, and more, make WIC a comprehensive support system for families. WIC recognizes the intertwined nature of a child’s well-being with that of their caregivers.
Addressing childhood hunger in Alaska requires immediate and robust action. The increased
funding during the height of the COVID pandemic is not something we should turn back now. By fully funding WIC, we can ensure healthy and resilient future generations. WIC’s approach is holistic; it addresses immediate nutritional needs and empowers families with knowledge on meal planning, budgeting, and other vital aspects of wellness.
Ensuring food security, especially for our young and vulnerable populations, is a collective
responsibility. At the Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) we emphasize the importance of
including all Alaskans, including our kids and young families, in our efforts to build a resilient food system that works with and for all Alaskans. As Alaskans, we must unite in advocating for the full funding of the Federal WIC program. The opportunity for every child in Alaska to grow and thrive hinges on this crucial support.
The deadline for the budget decision is January 19th, and the time to act is now. It is imperative for Alaskans to voice their support for WIC funding. It’s time to contact Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Representative Peltola and communicate to them the importance of a robust WIC program. Their action can secure the future of this essential program. WIC is not just a financial decision; it is a moral one. It reflects our values as Alaskans and our commitment to the health and well-being of our children. We must come together to ensure that WIC receives full funding. WIC is indispensable to Alaskans and we must fight for it to be fully funded.
Rachel Lord is the Advocacy and Policy Director for the Alaska Food Policy Council.
This post is a submission to The Alaska Current. Please send submissions to news@thealaskacurrent.com.