WIC Funding Could Run Out If Government Shutdown Continues Into November — Here’s What to Know

As the federal government shutdown drags on with no resolution in sight, one of the programs most at risk is a cornerstone of America’s public health safety net: the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC.

If the shutdown continues into November, millions of mothers and young children across the country could lose access to healthy food, nutrition education, and vital health screenings that WIC provides every month.

The National WIC Association (NWA), which advocates for program recipients and administrators nationwide, warned this week that funding for WIC could run dry by November 1 unless Congress or the White House takes immediate action to release more emergency funds.

What Is WIC and Who Relies on It?

WIC is a federal nutrition assistance program designed to help pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under five who are at nutritional risk. Established in 1974, it provides participants with access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, health and nutrition education, and referrals to medical and social services.

Today, WIC serves nearly 7 million Americans every month. The program is often described by experts as one of the most effective federal interventions for early childhood development and maternal health.

For many families, WIC is not just a supplement — it’s a lifeline. Families use WIC benefits to purchase essential groceries like milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, baby formula, and whole grains. Beyond food, the program connects new parents to lactation consultants and nutritionists who help build healthy habits during early development.

Shutdown Threatens Millions of Families

According to Georgia Machell, president and CEO of the National WIC Association, even a short disruption could have lasting harm.

“WIC is a lifeline for nearly 7 million pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children. Even short-term disruption to WIC’s healthy food benefits, lactation support, nutrition education, screenings, and referrals can have long-term negative impacts on families,” Machell said in an Oct. 21 statement.

The NWA estimates that without renewed funding, families in every state could start losing access to benefits as early as November 1. The organization has urged Congress and the White House to approve an additional $300 million in emergency funding to keep the program running through at least the first two weeks of November.

USDA Blames Lawmakers for Delays

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees WIC, said in a statement that the department is working to sustain the program using tariff revenue, though it did not specify how long that stopgap measure could last.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, the USDA — led by Brooke Rollins, an appointee of President Donald Trump — placed responsibility for the shutdown on Democrats in Congress.

“While Democrats continue to vote to prolong the government shutdown, blocking funding for mothers and babies who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), USDA will utilize tariff revenue to fund WIC for the foreseeable future,” the statement read.

It remains unclear how much tariff revenue has been allocated or whether it can cover all WIC expenses nationwide. Experts warn that if the impasse in Washington continues, those funds could quickly be exhausted.

Emergency Funds Offered Temporary Relief

Earlier this month, the White House issued emergency funding to prevent the program from collapsing immediately after the shutdown began. Those funds provided a short reprieve, allowing WIC to remain operational through October 31.

But the National WIC Association says the situation is dire. That emergency funding “only delayed the inevitable,” Machell noted, adding that without additional resources, local agencies may soon face staff furloughs, service cuts, or halted benefits.

In an Oct. 24 letter to the White House, co-signed by more than 40 national health and social service organizations, the NWA urged immediate action.

“These disruptions for families can be prevented by releasing additional funding to WIC. With no end in sight for this government shutdown, the White House must act to ensure that families and children do not become casualties of congressional inaction,” the letter stated.

What Happens If WIC Funding Runs Out?

If the shutdown continues and no new funding is released, the consequences could be swift and severe. State WIC agencies would be forced to halt food benefits, furlough staff, or shut down local clinics, cutting off services for millions of women and children.

“Without additional funding, State WIC Agencies may be forced to take drastic measures that prevent families from accessing the services they need,” Machell warned.

That means some families could arrive at grocery stores in early November to find their WIC cards declined — unable to purchase baby formula, infant cereal, or other approved foods. Others could lose access to lactation counseling and nutritional guidance that have been proven to reduce childhood obesity and maternal health complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health agencies have long credited WIC with improving infant birth weights, increasing breastfeeding rates, and lowering the risk of malnutrition in low-income households. Losing even a few weeks of benefits could reverse years of progress.

Growing Political Tensions

The WIC funding crisis has become part of a broader political standoff over the federal budget. President Trump’s administration has argued that Democrats are obstructing spending measures that would reopen the government, while Democrats counter that the White House’s budget priorities — particularly cuts to domestic programs — are to blame.

Senate and House negotiations remain at an impasse, with no clear plan for a temporary funding bill. Meanwhile, state WIC offices are caught in the middle, scrambling to reassure families while warning that they may soon be forced to shut down operations.

Local WIC administrators have already begun contingency planning. Some have discussed issuing furlough notices to clinic staff as early as Oct. 27, while others have started rationing existing funds to prioritize infants and pregnant women first.

Real People, Real Impact

For families who depend on WIC, the threat is deeply personal.

In Wichita Falls, Kansas, Ben Rawlings, a father of two, said his family relies on WIC to help feed their youngest daughter. “It’s not just about the food — it’s the support system,” he said. “They helped my wife with breastfeeding and taught us about nutrition. Losing that would be devastating.”

Across the country, parents and health advocates are voicing similar fears — that political gridlock in Washington could soon translate to hunger and uncertainty at home.

A Race Against the Clock

With just days left before the program’s funding runs out, the future of WIC remains uncertain. Advocacy groups are urging swift action from both Congress and the White House, warning that the cost of inaction will fall squarely on the nation’s most vulnerable.

As Machell put it bluntly: “Families should not have to worry about feeding their children because of politics.”

Unless an agreement is reached soon, that worry may become reality for millions.

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