Government shutdown threatens food aid program relied on by millions

Key Takeaways:

WIC, aiding 6 million low-income mothers and children, could run out of funds within two weeks due to the federal shutdown.

States may temporarily cover costs, but many cannot sustain WIC without federal reimbursement.

The $8 billion program provides essential food aid and health benefits for mothers and young children.

Some Republicans propose cutting WIC under Project 2025, while several states vow to maintain benefits temporarily.

A food aid program that helps more than 6 million low-income mothers and young children will run out of federal money within two weeks unless the government shutdown ends, forcing states to use their own money to keep it afloat or risk it shutting down, experts say.

The $8 billion Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infan