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Roger Marshall and Kirsten Gillibrand have introduced the bipartisan 21st Century WIC Act to update how the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children operates, while keeping safeguards in place so benefits go to eligible families.

The proposal would let WIC participants complete certification and recertification through secure phone or video appointments but still requires at least one in-person visit to confirm eligibility and complete health screenings. Supporters say the approach combines modern technology with accountability and helps reduce the risk of fraud or misuse while improving access for families.

The bill would formally allow two current waiver practices: remote certification or recertification by video or phone, and remote delivery of WIC EBT cards by mail instead of requiring in-person pickup or reloading at an office.

“For families in rural Kansas and across the country, repeated trips to a government office can be a real hardship,” said Senator Marshall. “This legislation keeps an important in-person safeguard while using modern technology to cut waste, prevent abuse, and make sure WIC works the way it should, efficiently, responsibly, and with compassion for the families it serves.”

The measure also directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress on how remote technologies are being used in WIC, their impact, and recommended best practices.