WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the government shutdown continues, critical food programs like WIC, is at risk of running out of funds. Some states say they will be able to keep their WIC services up and running for the first few days of November, but after that, it’s unclear how long WIC can continue without federal help.
WIC, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, provides free healthy foods, education and support for pregnant, postpartum women and babies up to their fifth birthday. The National WIC Association, which represents everyone working for the federal WIC program, said they help a little less than 7-million people in the WIC program.
“We serve a little less than half of all babies born in this country,” said Alison Hard, the public policy director for NWA. “So, it’s a really significant reach with this program and that’s one of the reasons why we’re so concerned about what could happen if we do run out of funds.”
Due to the shutdown, the Trump administration provided 300-million in funds to prevent a funding lapse for this food aid program through the end of October. The NWA said it might not be enough come November.
“We will need additional emergency funds to keep our clinic doors open and to keep providing that healthy food package to families,” said Hard. “So, we are calling on the White House right now to provide additional emergency funds immediately.”
The NWA is worried about possible disruptions in providing help to women and babies, especially for low-income families.
“We’re really concerned about the health impact in the short-term and long-term and we saw some of that during the infant formula crisis of 2022,” said Hard. “We know from the data, families had to make terrible decisions like watering down formula and that’s incredibly dangerous for babies, so the stakes are high and it’s a terrible position to put moms and families in.”
Some congressional members are introducing legislation that would keep programs like WIC and SNAP running during a government shutdown. However, it could be tough to vote on the bill, simply because Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R- LA) has kept the House of session in hopes of putting pressure on Senate Democrats to approve the “clean” continuing resolution.
Here’s the response from the Pennsylvania Department of Health when we asked them how long they can continue WIC services until they need federal help: “While the Department is closely monitoring the activities of the federal government, WIC offices in Pennsylvania are currently operating without interruptions in service and will continue through at least November 9. Right now, it remains unclear how long PA WIC services can continue after that date without additional action from the federal government. Should there be any changes affecting program services, the Department will inform WIC participants as soon as possible.”
The New York State Department of Health sent us this information: “The New York State Department of Health is committed to ensuring continued access to essential nutrition services for families across the state. For the time being, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program remains open and ready to serve families. Families should keep appointments and use benefits as usual. As the federal landscape continues to change rapidly, we are closely monitoring any developments and will keep New Yorkers informed of any changes that would affect their benefits.”
