WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal program operated through state and local agencies. American Indian tribal organizations administer WIC programs on tribal lands. There are currently 32 tribal WIC programs. Tribes often contribute significant resources of their own in the form of office and clinic space, and some cover additional costs such as salaries for breastfeeding coordinators. By offering culturally appropriate services specific to Native Americans' nutrition and health concerns, tribal WIC programs meet the special needs of a population that has long suffered from high rates of hunger, undernutrition, and maternal and child health problems. Tribal WIC programs particularly help provide continuity of care in geographically isolated tribal lands. WIC has helped improve the health of women, infants, and children in Native American communities through providing nutritious supplemental foods and nutrition education, and working with other programs to improve access to health care. The health and nutritional status of women, infants, and children in Native American communities is better in many respects than a generation ago. Native Americans have seen significant declines in the rates of anemia, growth stunting, underweight, and maternal and infant mortality over the last 25 years. Despite these important gains, the new challenges of high levels of obesity and diabetes and the persistent problem of food insecurity must still be met. (TD)