Government shutdown threatens food aid program relied on by millions of families
October 6, 2025
Experts say a food aid program that helps 6 million low-income mothers and young children will run out of federal money unless the government shutdown ends within two weeks. States would have to use their own money to keep it afloat. The $8 billion Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children provides vouchers to buy infant formula, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and other healthy staples. Mom Taylor Moyer in Virginia says WIC has helped her feed her three children nutritious food. Some states including Connecticut have sought to reassure WIC recipients they’ll keep receiving benefits in an extended shutdown. Washington state says it doesn’t have the money to keep the program open.