Formula Grant 266AR502W1106

The Arkansas Department of Health received a $2.25 million Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) under the WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (CFDA 10.557) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The award funds WIC program operations in Arkansas, including supplemental food benefits, nutrition education with emphasis on breastfeeding promotion, and health and social service referrals for income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five determined to be at nutritional risk.

As the state administering agency, Arkansas Department of Health distributes WIC formula grant funds to local agencies across the state's 75 counties for direct program implementation. The funding supports both food expenses—the provision of nutritious supplemental foods through state-approved vendors—and administrative costs necessary to operate the program, including certification of eligible participants, nutrition education delivery, and coordination with health and social service providers. WIC is a statutorily authorized entitlement program that operates through formula-based allocations to state agencies according to provisions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended.