FY 2026 WIC Infrastructure Grant

The WIC Infrastructure Grant is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an agency responsible for delivering nutrition assistance programs that support vulnerable populations while strengthening the agricultural economy. This grant opportunity is part of the broader Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides food assistance, nutrition education, and health referrals to eligible low-income women and young children. The infrastructure grant program has existed for decades as a mechanism to modernize and improve the administration of WIC at the state level, ensuring that services remain efficient, compliant, and responsive to participant needs. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support state agencies that administer WIC in enhancing program integrity, improving connections between WIC participants and agricultural producers, and modernizing technological systems. Applicants are required to align their proposals with one or more of three objectives: reducing waste, fraud, and abuse through policy or system improvements; enabling WIC benefits to be used at farmers markets through technological upgrades; and advancing digital infrastructure such as Management Information Systems or Electronic Benefits Transfer platforms. These objectives reflect a broader federal goal of improving accountability, expanding access to nutritious foods, and ensuring that public funds are used effectively. Funding for this program is substantial, with approximately 24 million dollars expected to be distributed across about 30 awards. Individual state agencies may apply for funding levels that vary depending on participant population, with maximum awards reaching up to three million dollars. Consortium applications are also permitted for certain technology-focused objectives, with a lower maximum funding level. Grant funds must be used exclusively for allowable WIC program activities, and there are clear restrictions on unallowable costs, including construction, land acquisition, certain system overhauls, and non-WIC program activities such as those associated with the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Eligibility for the grant is limited to the 88 state agencies currently administering WIC programs, including U.S. states, territories, and certain tribal organizations. Applicants may submit one individual application and may also participate in a single consortium application. Consortium applications must designate a lead state agency responsible for submission and administration. Strict compliance requirements are enforced, and incomplete or noncompliant applications will be disqualified from consideration. Applicants must also complete federal registration steps, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining active registration in the System for Award Management. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple required forms such as the SF-424 series, budget documentation, and a financial capability questionnaire. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive project narrative, a detailed budget narrative, and an activities and indicators tracker that aligns proposed work with program objectives. The evaluation process is competitive and based on criteria including project design, management approach, and effective use of funds. Each application is reviewed by a panel and scored according to defined metrics, with final funding decisions made by agency officials. The timeline for this grant cycle is clearly defined, with applications due by July 13, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be announced in August 2026, and the performance period is expected to run from late September 2026 through September 2028. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparation well in advance due to registration requirements and the complexity of the submission process. Quarterly reporting requirements will be imposed on awardees, including financial and performance reports, to ensure accountability and track progress toward stated objectives. Overall, the WIC Infrastructure Grant represents a significant federal investment in strengthening nutrition assistance delivery systems. By focusing on program integrity, technological advancement, and agricultural connectivity, the grant supports both public health outcomes and operational efficiency. State agencies that successfully secure funding are expected to demonstrate measurable improvements in program performance and contribute to the long-term sustainability of WIC services nationwide.

Ensure strong alignment between project activities and stated objectives; provide detailed and realistic timelines; clearly justify all budget items with calculations; demonstrate readiness and staffing capacity; avoid unallowable costs such as construction or non-WIC activities