WIC Expands Online Shopping in a Win for Mothers and Infants
WASHINGTON (Nov. 6, 2026) — Save the Children welcomes the final rule issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen and expand online shopping for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), providing rural mothers and children across the country greater access to healthy foods.
"We are grateful to see USDA taking a necessary step toward equitable access to WIC for families regardless of where they live," Eyang Garrison, Save the Children’ Managing Director of Domestic Policy, said. "The overwhelming majority of participants who were able to participate in a pilot online shopping program preferred this method, and not only will this lead to reduced barriers for rural and Tribal families but hopefully greater participation nationwide."
The change to the WIC program is set to take place on December 7, 2026, bringing a welcome change to a 50- year- old program that serves nearly 7 million families across the U.S.
Save the Children applauds this effort and hopes it signals a renewed commitment to our nation's mothers and babies to ensure they are fed, secure, and healthy. Save the Children supports a variety of WIC modernization and virtual service options and continues to advocate for making phone and video enrollment and recertification appointments permanent.
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.