WIC Food Expenses Formula Grant Summary

The Arkansas Department of Health received a formula grant award of $1,469,910.00 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC, CFDA 10.557), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award specifically supports WIC Food Expenses, providing supplemental nutritious foods to income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who meet nutritional risk criteria in Arkansas.

As a formula grant recipient, the Arkansas Department of Health distributes these funds through its network of local WIC agencies and clinics across the state's 75 counties to deliver direct nutrition assistance benefits to eligible participants. The program integrates supplemental food provision with nutrition education emphasizing breastfeeding promotion and support, along with referrals to health and social services. This award represents the state's continued participation in the federal-state partnership model that operates WIC across all 50 states, territories, and federally recognized tribal organizations.