Iowa’s food assistance programs are feeling the strain of the ongoing federal government shutdown — though state officials say they’ve temporarily filled the gap to keep benefits flowing to vulnerable families.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services said the state has stepped in to provide short-term funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides vouchers to buy infant formula as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and other healthy staples for low-income mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.

“While we are not anticipating any immediate disruptions in WIC benefits and services, we are continually monitoring the situation,” said Alex Murphy, spokesperson for Iowa HHS. “Iowa WIC has received USDA co

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