Washington: The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has begun to cast a shadow over food security for millions of vulnerable Americans, with the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program facing an imminent funding crisis. Now in its second day, the shutdown shows little sign of resolution as partisan gridlock between Democrats and Republicans continues.

At the center of concern is WIC, a $7.6 billion federal initiative that provides food aid, nutrition guidance, and health support for about 6.7 million low-income mothers, infants, and young children. Unlike Social Security or Medicare, which operate on permanent authorizations, WIC must be renewed by Congress annually. With lawmakers at an impasse, the program’s funding is critically strained.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture

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