Age Limit for Federal Food Assistance Program is Increasing Food Insecurity
Irma Arteaga, assistant professor in the Truman School of Public Affairs, says that the cutoff age of five for WIC benefits increases household food insecurity.
Download photo from the MU News Bureau
Story posted: Sept. 20, 2016
By: Sheena Rice
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One in five American households with children does not have adequate access to food. To combat food insecurity, the U.S. relies on a variety of food and nutritional programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This program is designed specifically for pregnant women, mothers and children from birth to age five. New research from the University of Missouri has identified a problem associated with the requirement that when children turn five, they are no longer eligible to receive food assistance, thus leading to increased food insecurity for the family. The researchers say policy makers should consider extending WIC eligibility until children enter school, rather than setting an age limit.