Federal Grant Award Summary

The Maryland Department of Health's Medicaid Division received a Formula Grant award of $2.7 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service under the WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (CFDA 10.557), effective October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2026. This funding supports WIC food expenses—specifically the provision of supplemental nutritious foods to income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who meet nutritional risk criteria.

Under this federal-state partnership model, Maryland will utilize the award to distribute supplemental food benefits through local WIC agencies and clinics throughout the state. The program complements broader WIC services including nutrition education with emphasis on breastfeeding support and referrals to health and social services. As a Formula Grant, the award was distributed to Maryland according to congressionally established funding formulas based on eligible population demographics and program needs, enabling the state to continue direct benefit delivery to vulnerable populations across the state.