The federal government shutdown in October 2025 is creating a serious problem for the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children). This program helps about 7 million low-income mothers, babies, and young kids every month. If the shutdown continues, WIC could run out of money in just one to two weeks, leaving families without food and support.
WIC is more than just food. It gives families milk, eggs, vegetables, infant formula, and other healthy items. It also offers breastfeeding support, nutrition lessons, and doctor referrals. The program helps more than half of all babies in the U.S. who rely on formula. Without WIC, many kids would lose access to the food they need to grow strong and healthy.
The shutdown is stopping new federal money from reaching states. Usually, states get funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) every quarter. Right now, states are only using small backup funds and rebates to keep WIC open. The National WIC Association said these funds may only last a week or two NBC News.
If funding runs out, states may have to:
- ❌ Stop new enrollments into WIC.
- ❌ Cut benefits for families already enrolled.
- ❌ Rely on state budgets, which may not last long.
Some governors have promised to use state funds to keep WIC going, but not all states can do this. In places with limited budgets, families may lose access much faster.
For moms like Barbie Anderson from Minnesota, the fear is real. She says all the food she gets from WIC goes straight to her children. “If services are interrupted, it really harms the children,” she explained. Families like hers live paycheck to paycheck, and even short breaks in WIC support could hurt children’s growth and health ABC News.
Advocacy groups are urging Congress to act quickly. Lawmakers from both parties agree WIC is vital, but no funding bill has been passed yet. This is raising new worries about whether the government will pay states back for emergency spending like it did during past shutdowns Reuters.
The shutdown’s impact on WIC is not just about numbers. It’s about real kids and moms losing access to milk, formula, and healthy meals. Even a short delay in benefits could mean weaker nutrition, slower child development, and more stress for families already struggling.
If the shutdown lasts past mid-October 2025, millions of women, infants, and children could be left without their lifeline. The future of WIC now depends on how fast Congress can pass a new funding bill.
