Food / Nutrition Security
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State of NJ
NJ Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Participation
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides support to low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum, and to their children up to age 5. WIC provides access to supplemental food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals. These participation numbers are the monthly average for 2023 and are actual numbers (not estimated) from the NJ Department of Health. Nationwide, only 51.5% of those eligible for WIC participate in the program, and in NJ it is estimated to be slightly less (https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/wic/eligibility-and-program-reach-estimates-2021). Ensuring greater participation can help safeguard and improve health for this potentially vulnerable population.
Data Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2022 Annual Averages by Industry