Funds Dwindling for Critical Nutrition Programs
As the shutdown continues, federal government programs that support vulnerable populations are raising concerns. They warn that without funding, aid will cease to exist.
One such program, WIC (The USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), supports over 6 million pregnant women, mothers, and their children. The White House has allocated $300 million from tariff revenues to fund WIC, covering food, formula, and other essential aid.
"Regular federal funding is running out for the WIC program. The United States Department of Agriculture has said that they can cover a short-term lapse in funding through the end of this month. So in other words, for the next two plus weeks,"
said Jamie Bussell, a senior program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The program's funding is set to expire soon, leaving the future of support for these vulnerable populations uncertain.
Author's summary: WIC program faces funding shortage due to shutdown.