As the federal government shutdown continues, the Academy is calling on state leaders to take swift action to safeguard access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
WIC is a lifeline for families nationwide, providing healthy food, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to millions of pregnant people, infants and young children. Because the program is 100% federally funded, a lapse in federal spending means states could soon be unable to issue benefits, pay staff or keep local clinics open. Within days, families could lose access to essential food and formula, and WIC providers may face layoffs or service disruptions.
Several states — including Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii and Iowa — have already authorized temporary "bridge funding" to sustain WIC operations during the shutdown. The Academy urges other states to follow their lead by authorizing the use of contingency or rainy-day funds, or emergency budget transfers, to maintain program operations until Congress passes a federal spending bill.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated that states will be reimbursed for eligible WIC expenses once federal funding resumes, making this a short-term, low-risk investment that safeguards public health and supports local economies.
The Academy continues to advocate for full federal funding of WIC and encourages members to contact their governors to urge immediate action.
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