Shutdown Freezes WIC, Threatens Nutrition Programs

The federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 has frozen federal WIC funding, jeopardizing food, formula and education services for millions of low-income women, infants and children. Nationally, WIC serves about 1.5 million women, 1.5 million infants and 3.8 million children; state caseloads vary — Nebraska has more than 42,000 recipients (including roughly 23,000 children and 9,000 infants) and North Carolina counts about 240,000 mothers and young children. Federal contingency funds and state carryovers may keep WIC operating for only about one to two weeks, while SNAP benefits are generally expected to be paid in October in many states but face uncertainty beyond that. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says it retained staff to continue non‑discretionary activities such as Medicaid and CHIP payments but will suspend many surveys, policy work and contractor oversight, and SNAP‑Ed and other education programs risk immediate cuts without short‑term carryover funds. Families and nonprofits report surging need — local pantries are expanding services and recipients in New York and Georgia report anxiety — even as Social Security and SSI payments are scheduled to continue, though customer service and some operations may be disrupted.