WIC funding could run out in weeks, as government shuts down

Funding for a program that helps millions of women and children with neonatal care and nutrition could soon runout as the federal government plunges deeper into a shutdown, according toOffice of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.

During a conversation with House Republicans on Wednesday, Vought warned that the federal government probably can only support theSpecial Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - commonly known as WIC - for another week. Other experts, including those at the National WIC Association, predict federal support for WIC could last up to two weeks.After those funds run out, states will have to reach into their own coffers to cover the costs.

An OMB spokesperson said in a statement Thursday that the “program will run out of money th