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Jacksonville Families at Risk of Losing Food Assistance as Government Shutdown Threatens SNAP, WIC
WIC faces a potential funding gap due to the shutdown, risking services for 6.8 million people nationwide as states rely on limited contingency funds, officials say.
- On Wednesday, a USDA letter told state WIC directors they will not receive their next quarterly allocation due to the federal government shutdown, risking program funds running out in October.
- Democratic and Republican lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill before the midnight deadline, causing the federal government shutdown to coincide with the start of the 2026 fiscal year when WIC expected new funds.
- WIC served roughly 6.8 million people as of April 2022 and holds $150 million in contingency funds plus $135 million in rebate checks, sustaining operations for about one to two weeks.
- States will have to dip into their own funds to pay for WIC benefits, while Washington State Department of Health plans layoffs for about 50 staff starting October 6.
- If the shutdown continues beyond a week or two, experts warn the National WIC Association said `devastating disruptions` may deny millions of moms and children access to nutritious foods.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
The New RepublicReposted by 
DNyuz
DNyuzPoor Moms and Children Are Caught in the Crossfire of the Shutdown
With the government shut down and no clear resolution in sight, a critical federal nutrition program that assists low-income mothers may soon run out of funding, leaving millions of poor families in the lurch. Unless Congress approves legislation to reopen the government, the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children may run out of funding in a matter of days. WIC, as the program is known, is a lifeline for nearly seven mi…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 30%
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