TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher is requesting nearly $500,000 in funding to prevent the interruption of WIC benefits during the government shutdown.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reports that funding for WIC food and formula benefits is only available through Nov. 10. Without that additional funding, more than 4,000 infants across Pima County will lose access to the critical safety net.

The temporary measure would continue WIC benefits uninterrupted through the end of the month.

Rachel Riley has been enrolled in Pima County’s WIC program for more than three years. She said she takes pride in the meals she makes for her daughter and is grateful for the food WIC gives her to do so.

“We enjoy all of the food, like she gets the cereal she wants, a

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