Over 40 million individuals might face interruptions in their November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.
If the shutdown continues past November, it could also jeopardize assistance for those in the WIC program, which supports low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. Administered by state agencies but overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC is meant to be a short-term aid program. Eligibility hinges on being pregnant, having a baby within the last six months, providing breast milk to a registered infant under one year, or caring for a child under five.
About 7 million people in the U.S. currently benefit from the WIC program, according to the National WIC Association (NWA).
Initially, NWA indicated that while the program was running low on funds, benefits would last for maybe one to two weeks. They noted the potential for reallocating unused grant funds from previous years under the USDA’s Shutdown Contingency Plan, but only temporarily.
On October 7, WIC received a boost when the White House pledged $300 million from President Trump’s tariff revenues to fund the program through this month.
However, as the shutdown persists, WIC’s financial situation is becoming critical again.
“We appreciate the emergency funds that have helped WIC this month, but without further assistance, state agencies face another crisis,” stated Georgia Machel, NWA President and CEO. He mentioned that several states could exhaust their funds by November 1 and may need to plan for contingencies this week.
Machel urged the White House for more emergency funding to prevent a short-term crisis for millions relying on WIC as Congress deliberates over full-year funding for 2026.
A letter sent to the White House by 44 organizations, including NWA, stressed the urgency for additional funding to avoid disruptions to WIC when the calendar turns to November.
Machel explained that without the necessary funding, state agencies may have to implement severe measures, such as cutting off food benefits, which would hinder families’ access to essential services.
In an effort to secure funding, some states are taking action. For instance, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont mentioned using state reserves to maintain the WIC program.
In North Carolina, officials indicated that WIC funding is projected to last until at least November 15.
Meanwhile, Kansas health officials reported that available WIC food funds should extend through November, but local clinics are currently unable to accept baby formula due to the shutdown.
The California Department of Public Health informed WIC participants they can keep utilizing their benefits unless directed otherwise. Reports suggest that the state’s program is expected to operate normally through the end of November, barring any unexpected federal changes.
Health officials in both Utah and Minnesota confirmed their WIC programs would continue through November.
According to reports, New York City’s WIC program is “not expected” to be impacted by the shutdown, while Michigan also stated their WIC program remains operational.
Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis has sought funding to sustain SNAP, highlighting that WIC access has also been improved within the state, with assurances that the program can continue through at least October 2025.
If you are uncertain about the status of your WIC benefits for next month, it’s a good idea to reach out to your local office for clarification.
