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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Nicole
Reigelman |
State Rep. Mark Cohen |
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Cohen proposes legislation to fill critical gaps in WIC funding
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., introduced legislation today to fill critical gaps in funding for the federally administered Women, Infants and Children program.
Cohen said WIC targets low-income, nutritionally at-risk women who are pregnant or have young children, and provides them with benefits including supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics, and screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services.
However, Cohen noted the program has several gaps and that closing them would have a long-lasting benefit for the health of the Commonwealth.
“Every child deserves a good start in life,” Cohen said. “WIC has done an admirable job, but its federal funding falls short and does not allow it to reach every child who needs it.”
Cohen proposed creating supplemental funding for the program in order to provide more women and children with food and nutrition education.
“If we help to give every child a healthy start, they will develop healthy habits as teenagers and adults,” Cohen said. “Good nutrition can reduce ailments later in life, saving money for health care in the long term.”
Cohen’s bill currently has 30 co-sponsors.
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