Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Wednesday called for more funding for the WIC Nutrition Program.

The program – one of the most successful in the country – saves about $3 for every dollar spent on health care costs for people. Without the extra funds, the program could leave 124,000 pregnant women and babies without the proper food they need.

“With elevated food cost and more participation in the program, new mothers and their babies will be abandoned,” said Gillibrand.

WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education and other services for millions of low-income infants, young children, and pregnant and postpartum women nationwide.