With a partial federal government shutdown possible later this week, a program that helps moms and their kids afford nutritious food is among those at risk.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, which is known as WIC, could be impacted in a prolonged shutdown. Additionally, the program is facing a $1 billion shortfall as demand has increased.
In North Carolina, there are about 268,000 people utilizing the program, according to data provided by the White House.
Nicolette, who recently gave birth to her son Luca, is among the women who’s benefited. She says during her pregnancy and now while she’s breastfeeding, the WIC program has helped her afford nutritious food.
“And when you go to the store and you’re able to get the fruits and the vegetables and everything nutritious-wise that you need, it really makes a difference in your pregnancy,” she said.
Safa Hamad, who oversees the WIC program in Wake County, said if there is a partial government shutdown later this week, the program would be able to continue for a period of time. But, given the funding issues WIC is facing, Hamad said they would have to start implementing wait lists.
The USDA has outlined who gets priority in that circumstance, with pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as infants at the top of the list.
“What I’m most concerned about is that we’re going to have to turn people away,” said Hamad. “So, even toddlers will be put on wait lists.”
U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC 2nd) met with county leaders Tuesday before returning to Washington this week for potential votes on averting a shutdown.
“I’m hopeful that we will at least buy a little bit of time to do the real work,” said Rep. Ross. “If they don’t get the right start, it could have lifelong effects. And, it’s serious business and we need to do our work.”
In the debate over funding the government, some House Republicans have called for reforms to a separate program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Maryland Rep. Andy Harris wrote an op-ed last month calling for restrictions on being able to purchase unhealthy foods and incentivizing the purchase of fruits and vegetables.
The government is facing two deadlines in early March to keep the government funded. The first deadline is Friday, and the next deadline is the following Friday, March 8.
Funding for Ukraine and the U.S.-Mexico border are among the key issues still being discussed.
Following a meeting at the White House Tuesday with President Biden and other congressional leaders, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) told reporters he’s “very optimistic” Congress will avoid a shutdown.