The legislation makes the existing advisory group permanent.
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), which advocates the views of the Commonwealth’s food and beverage industries, today issued a statement regarding the passage of Senate Bill 721, which establishes a permanent Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) advisory board, by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
“The passage of Senate Bill 721 is a tremendous win for families across the Commonwealth,” said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of PFMA. “By enshrining the existing advisory group into law, we are ensuring that pregnant women, new mothers, and young children have a team of experts advocating on their behalf for decades to come.
“While the program offers immense benefits, the requirements imposed on over 1,300 WIC-authorized retail locations in Pennsylvania can be challenging. Nevertheless, many retailers choose to participate, recognizing the value it brings to families and the community, which goes beyond the bottom line. As a member of the WIC Advisory Board, I aim to represent our food retailers and advocate for improvements that enhance the program’s efficiency and benefits for both retailers and participants.”
PFMA also has consistently advocated for federal legislators to take action to ensure the WIC program remains fully funded through the federal budget.
