If the government shuts down, what impact could it have on essential programs like WIC for Milwaukeeans?

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With the potential of a looming government shutdown happening this weekend, many are wondering what impact it could have on essential programs for those in need.

One of the biggest worries? The effects the closure would have on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, more commonly known as WIC, which provides healthcare services and nutrition to low-income pregnant women, those currently breastfeeding, and kids under the age of five. 

According to the USDA, in 2022 the program served about 6.3 million people each month nationwide, including about 39% of infants in the United States.

In Wisconsin, more than 130,000 people used the program, per the state Department of Health Services. 

“We know that in Milwaukee there are 42,000 mothers and families that currently participate," said Jonathan Hansen, the chief strategic officer for the Hunger Task Force. “If the WIC program wasn’t available, if the food share program wasn’t available, there’d be significant hunger in our community.”

Hansen told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White that many rely on WIC's goods like formula, which is a necessary item for infants.

“What we know right now is that the FoodShare program will be okay through October in the case of a shutdown," Hansen said. "As of right now, we know that the WIC program is available and funded until further notice for families.”

If lawmakers don't come to an agreement, the shutdown could occur on Oct. 1. 

Cheryl Davies, the WIC director for the West Allis Health Department, provided CBS 58 with this statement:

"We have received communication from our State WIC office that WIC will remain open for business. Families will receive this communication in the event of a shutdown, encouraging them to continue to keep appointments and use their WIC benefits. WIC vendors have received the same information. We will continue to work with our State WIC office to communicate and implement any new information as it becomes available. WIC in West Allis remains open."

The City of Milwaukee Health Department also provided a statement:

"The messaging that has been conveyed from the state is that IF there is a government shutdown, WIC will continue with “business as usual.” There will still be staff in the clinics, hours and operations will remain the same. Families will still be able to shop at grocery stores to use their benefits and farmers market checks will still be able to be redeemed. If the funding does not get approved, there might be a reduction to the CVB (Cash Value Benefits aka fruit and veggie dollars) in upcoming months but the state will be supporting local projects with messaging to our families keeping them informed."

Kate Franken, the board chair of the National WIC Association, released this statement:

“As Congress moves closer to what would be a disastrous federal government shutdown, there is a growing risk that millions of pregnant and postpartum women, babies, and young children will not have the nutrition and health supports they need to thrive. The National WIC Association strongly urges Congress to reach a deal that avoids a shutdown and provides WIC with the funding it needs to support any individual or family who qualifies. Without the urgent investment of additional funds, state WIC offices could soon be forced to consider waiting lists for prospective participants — a drastic step not seen in nearly 30 years. We simply cannot cross that line. Congress must live up to its responsibility to all those who depend on the program, providing sufficient funding in a continuing resolution to ensure no one is turned away from WIC in the short term and full funding in a year-end spending package to support WIC’s critical mission moving forward.”