Lawmakers, strengthen child nutrition program

A crucially important period for nutrition stretches from conception through two years of age. Malnutrition then may cause irreversible damage to the developing brain and immune system, limiting educational achievement and lifetime productivity, even if adequate food is later available. The economic consequences are lasting.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children assists nutritionally at-risk pregnant women and children younger than 5. Participation in WIC ensures that a child won't be developmentally stunted. That benefits all of us, not just the nearly 76,000 Iowa mothers and children served by WIC last September (‘WIC feeds Iowa children, moms,' The Gazette, Dec. 28).

When Congress reauthorizes the Child Nutrition Act this year, WIC should be strengthened to improve access and participation. The certification period for children should be increased to one year and the WIC food package should fully implement the recommendations from the Institute of Medicine for increased fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and decreased fats. The program also needs to be fully funded to enable serving all eligible women and children.

Rep. Dave Loebsack and Sens. Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley will play key roles in WIC reauthorization. Iowa needs a strengthened WIC program.

Ellen Fisher

Cedar Rapids