Summary
A government shutdown in the United States threatens nutrition aid for millions of pregnant women, new parents, and young children through the WIC program. Unlike programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, WIC is at risk because there's no new budget for the fiscal year. The program helps nearly 7 million people, and if it cannot operate, many will find it harder to afford healthy food.
Key Facts
- The federal government shutdown affects the nutrition benefits from the WIC program, not programs like Medicare or Social Security.
- WIC provides support such as baby formula, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding help, serving nearly 7 million people, including about half of U.S. infants.
- The shutdown starts right at the beginning of the fiscal year, with no new budget passed by Congress.
- WIC funding is temporarily sustained by a contingency fund, leftover budget, and infant formula company rebates, lasting around two weeks.
- Some states, like Colorado, have approved funds to support WIC temporarily during the shutdown.
- If the shutdown continues, WIC may prioritize pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, potentially reducing services for preschool-age children.
- The larger SNAP program remains funded as benefits were loaded in advance for October.
- Turning away WIC applicants could mean losing chances to improve health outcomes for mothers and children.