Remote eligibility certifications would be authorized for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) under a bipartisan bill recently sponsored by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
The congressman on Feb. 21 introduced the More Options to Develop and Enhance Remote Nutrition (MODERN) in WIC Act of 2025, H.R. 1464, with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to permit video or telephone certifications in the WIC program.
“The WIC program has stood as a pillar of support for America’s mothers and children. With the MODERN WIC Act, we are removing outdated obstacles and integrating technology to make this essential program more accessible to today’s families,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said on Feb. 26. “This legislation expands WIC’s reach, ensuring that every mother and child in PA-1 and beyond has access to necessary nutrition. It’s a sensible enhancement that provides real, tangible benefits.”
The WIC program provides nutrition counseling, parenting advice, breastfeeding support, food assistance, and referrals for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five years of age.
By permanently authorizing remote eligibility certification, the legislation aims to modernize the WIC program by making it easier for families to enroll and maintain benefits without requiring in-person visits, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s staff.
H.R. 1464 would facilitate video and telephone certifications and streamline the process for families to access nutrition benefits. Such remote services would be in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure they are fully accessible.
Additionally, the bill would mandate that nutritional risk assessments occur within 90 days through remote methods to ensure timely support and intervention, the summary says.
“The Modern WIC Act makes common-sense updates to the program so families and WIC providers have more flexibility and more new parents and children can benefit from WIC’s services,” said Rep. Bonamici. “I’m pleased to lead this bipartisan legislation with my colleague Congressman Fitzpatrick to improve the health of families in Oregon and across the country.”
The measure is supported by the National WIC Association, the Pennsylvania WIC Association, and Tiare Sanna, director of the Oregon WIC.