Critical Nutrition Program Faces Funding Crisis
The ongoing federal government shutdown has put the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, at severe risk of running out of funds. This vital program, which supports nearly 6.8 million low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children with vouchers for healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education, is on the brink of a funding shortfall. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently warned that the program could exhaust its federal funding 'very soon' if the shutdown persists.
The WIC program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, costs the federal government approximately $7.2 billion annually, providing an average monthly benefit of $64 per participant. Unlike entitlement programs such as Medicare or Social Security, WIC's funding is subject to the annual appropriations process, making it particularly vulnerable during government shutdowns. With roughly 41 percent of all infants born in the United States participating in WIC, the potential impact of a funding lapse is staggering.
Contingency Funds and Looming Shortfalls
To mitigate the immediate effects of the shutdown, the Agriculture Department can draw on a $150 million emergency fund, pending approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget. Additionally, $135 million in monthly baby formula rebate checks could help sustain operations temporarily. However, experts and advocates estimate that these contingency measures will only keep the program afloat for about one to two weeks before benefits start to be impacted, especially in states without additional resources to bridge the gap.
Nicole Flateboe, executive director of Nutrition First, Washington's WIC association, highlighted the dire consequences of a prolonged shutdown, stating, 'We will have babies being born to low-income women who will not have any breastfeeding support, and they will have no way to get infant formula if they're not breastfeeding.' In states like Washington, the Department of Health estimates that current contingency funding may last as little as one week if participation rates increase beyond current levels.
Impact on Vulnerable Families and State Responses
The potential loss of WIC benefits could be devastating for millions of families who rely on the program for essential nutrition. Personal stories underscore the program's importance, such as that of Lucia Graves from Lebanon, New Hampshire, who depended on WIC during a challenging time in 2020. Graves shared her relief at qualifying for the program after facing financial hardship and pregnancy complications, saying, 'So here I am like, 'Oh my goodness. I have this baby on the way, and now I have no job.''
As the shutdown continues into its sixth day, some local nonprofits and food pantries are preparing contingency plans to support affected families. However, without federal funding, many states may struggle to fill the gap, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought has also cautioned that funding for neonatal care and nutrition support through WIC could soon be depleted if no resolution is reached, emphasizing the urgency of reopening the government to prevent a crisis for millions of Americans.