November 2022Vol. 23, No. 9Resource Helps Supplemental Nutrition Programs Maximize Participation of Grandfamilies

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of grandparents raising grandchildren has grown to nearly 3 million. For older Americans who live on fixed incomes and lack sufficient disposable income, caring for their grandchildren can be financially challenging. One form of support that may be available to families caring for young children (age 5 and younger) is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a federally funded program administered by states that provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, makes referrals to health care, and more.

A factsheet from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) developed for WIC providers highlights the important role grandparents raising grandchildren can play in utilizing WIC in their communities, and it provides two recommendations aimed at helping those in need overcome barriers and maximize participation in the program:

• WIC partners should integrate WIC resources and referrals into agencies and programs serving grandparents raising grandchildren.
• WIC agency programming and practices should facilitate the inclusion of grandparents raising grandchildren.

FRAC is a national nonprofit organization working to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of people affected by poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, research, training and technical assistance, public education, and more.