Abstract
Every 5 years, the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and child nutrition programs are scheduled for reauthorization. Child nutrition programs provide cash, commodity, and other assistance under 3 major federal laws: the National School Lunch Act (originally enacted in 1946 and renamed the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act in 1999), the Child Nutrition Act (originally enacted in 1966), and sections 32 and 416 of the Agricultural Act. This article highlights the historical and legislative chronology of the child nutrition and WIC programs, outlines key issues and proposed legislation, discusses the role nutrition professionals can play, and suggests a possible timeline for the reauthorization.