PARENTS could be at risk of losing funds as benefits may dwindle during the government shutdown.
The start of the 2026 fiscal year came October 1, with a government shutdown alongside it.
WIC provided benefits to nearly 7 million people in 2022 (stock photo).[/caption]
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) was meant to receive funding ahead of the new fiscal year.
However, a letter, sent to WIC agency directors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), said that states would not be getting their funds allocated for the next quarter during the shutdown, Yahoo reported.
WIC benefits come in the form of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to help recipients buy approved foods and formula.
The program also offers free foods, nutritional education and community resources to recipients.
OPEN TEMPORARILY
The National WIC Association (NWA) said on September 30 that they have existing funds that will allow WIC to remain temporarily open during the shutdown.
The agency is urging congressional action in order to avoid “devastating disruptions.”
“Without a swift resolution, millions of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children could lose access to the nutritious foods and health support they need,” the NWA said.
Georgia Machell, President and CEO of the NWA said the agency likely has enough funds to stay open for one to two weeks.
HISTORY OF WIC
WIC is a public health nutrition program that is funded annually through the U.S. Senate and House Appropriations Committee.
The program was first piloted in 1972 and opened its first site in 1974. That same year, WIC was operating across 45 states.
WIC is designed to help low-income pregnant and post-partum women, infants and children up to the age of 5 who are at nutritional risk.
Some risks include anemia, being underweight and having a history of pregnancy complications.
The program provides recipients with free healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs and baby food.
Recipients can also receive personalized tips on recipes, eating healthy and resources from nutritionists and dietitians.
Mothers can also receive breastfeeding support from skilled staff to help answer any questions or provide helpful tips.
“These services are not a luxury; they are a necessary lifeline,” Machell recently said.
“Even temporary disruptions to the program could have long-term negative consequences for the health and development of our nation’s families.”
In 2022, 6.8 million people received WIC benefits, according to the USDA.
What is a government shutdown?
This is the first government shutdown in the U.S. is nearly seven years.
The shutdown occurred after Congress was unable to pass a new funding bill on September 30.
During a shutdown, several aspects of the government become temporarily suspended and around 40% of federal workers will be put on unpaid leave.
With the lapse in funding, agencies are expected to furlough “nonexcepted” employees. Those who are excepted include workers who protect life and property. These workers will continue to work but will not be paid until the shutdown is over.
What work continues?
- FBI investigators
- CIA officers
- Air traffic controllers
- Airport checkpoint operators
During a shutdown, those relying on Medicare coverage can still see their doctors, Social Security payments will still go out and veteran health care and benefits will continue.
Why did the shutdown happen now?
Republicans supported a short-term measure that would continue to fund the government through November 21. However, Democrats blocked the measure.
Democrats insisted the measure address their concerns on healthcare.
Democrats are looking to reverse the Medicaid cuts issued in Trump’s package of tax breaks and the spending reductions during the summer.
Democrats are also looking to extend tax credits to make health insurance premiums more affordable for Americans who use the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.
Source: Associated Press.
SNAP VS. WIC
Another federally funded assistance program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP recipients are expected to receive their October 2025 benefits despite the government shutdown as funds were already allocated.
According to the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), if the shutdown continues beyond the middle of October, the USDA could “technically tap its contingency reserve funding to cover SNAP costs.”
While a 2025 contingency plan has not been provided by the USDA, the 2024 plan noted that SNAP benefits could continue during a lapse with carry-over funds, contingency reserves and any quarterly apportionment of funds by the Office of Management and Budget, per FRAC.
While SNAP and WIC are both assistance programs, they differ in who they serve.
WIC is a specialized program designed for mothers and children that provides specific foods tailored to maternal and early childhood health, according to No Kid Hungry.
SNAP is for families and individuals who are facing financial struggles, providing recipients with funds to cover a specific range of groceries.
In order to be eligible for SNAP, you must meet the income limits which is typically at or below 130% of the poverty level.
Income eligibility is also dependent on the size of households.
WIC applicants must be pregnant or postpartum up to one year if breastfeeding and six months if not. The program is also open to children under the age of 5.
To be eligible for WIC you must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty line and a healthcare professional must have deemed the applicant at risk due to factors like medical conditions, poor diet or developmental concerns.
