WASHINGTON —

The government shutdown is putting the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at risk of running out of funds, affecting millions of families who depend on it for essential food benefits.

WIC provides vouchers for infant formula, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy staples, and is currently relying on a $150 million contingency fund that experts say could run out within two weeks if the shutdown continues. When the money runs out, states will have to decide whether to use their own funds to keep WIC running .

Iowa and Connecticut have committed to using state funds, while Mississippi is continuing payments but pausing new enrollments. Washington state leaders say they can only sustain the program for another week or two.

Advocates warn parents could soon face imp

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