The SEK Multi-County Health Department is advising clients of the Women, Infant and Children, or WIC program of potential disruption of services in the wake of the ongoing federal shutdown.
Without a federal solution that would provide additional funding to states and community agencies that deliver services, there is a risk that benefits or services will be paused, reduced, or eliminated.
As of now, it’s anticipated funding for WIC food benefits will last until the end of October although that cannot be assured.
For now, WIC clients are advised to continue using their benefits, continue shopping, redeeming food and attending appointments. Also, stay in contact with your WIC clinic and check with your clinic 24 hours before any scheduled appointments,
They are also asking WIC clients, if they can, to buy shelf-stable healthy foods or extra items you regularly use, while balancing food safety and storage, as well as identifying available alternate community resources. Contacting your elected officials in Washington to explain the importance of the program would also be beneficial.
