The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has long enjoyed bipartisan support, serving nearly seven million pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under five, is on hold due to the Republican Party's government shutdown. Beneficiaries are expected to feel the impact within one to two weeks. With a yearly budget of $8 billion WIC provides vouchers for infant formula, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, skim milk, and other healthy staples " foods that are significantly more expensive than ultra-processed, high-calorie products and therefore often out of reach for low-income households. WIC has been shown to improve the health of low-income families. If a funding agreement is not reached soon, states will have to either use their own funds to keep WIC running or shut it down. If they choose the first option, states could seek reimbursement once the federal budget is approved, but not all are able to front the money.

WIC has never lapsed due to a government shutdown. Republicans need to ensure these essential services remain available to those in need until they decide to reopen the government.

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-- Rep. Debbie Dingell (@debbiedingell.house.gov) Oct 7, 2025 at 3:39 PM