USDA Funds WIC With Tariff Revenue Amid Shutdown, Serving Millions Nationwide

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is continuing to provide food assistance during the federal government shutdown by utilizing tariff revenue to maintain funding. This approach, initiated by the Trump administration with a $300 million transfer, has allowed states like Pennsylvania, Washington, North Carolina, and South Carolina to keep the program operational for the foreseeable future, supporting hundreds of thousands of participants. However, concerns remain about the program's sustainability beyond November if the shutdown persists without further funding or congressional action. Rep. Rob Bresnahan introduced the "Keep WIC Working Act" to ensure WIC funding continues through the shutdown until a government funding resolution is reached, though the bill's progress is uncertain amid House session delays. The program remains critical for vulnerable populations, providing food benefits, nutrition education, and health support to millions of women, infants, and children nationwide. Without renewed funding, there is a risk that benefits could be exhausted, impacting families relying on this essential aid.