Warning Issued on Food Benefits for Women, Children If Government Shutdown Persists

A group called on the federal government to provide $300 million to a support program for women and children starting Nov. 1.

Baby food is offered for sale at a grocery store in Chicago, Ill., on Feb. 13, 2024. Scott Olson/Getty Images

A nonprofit group representing nutrition and health service providers warned on Oct. 21 that millions of people enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may not receive food aid in November as the government shutdown entered its fourth week.

The National WIC Association said in a statement that millions of U.S. families could have their access to the WIC program cut off as early as Nov. 1 due to the shutdown unless the federal government provides emergency relief.