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5h ago

Connecticut Uses State Cash to Keep WIC Running During Shutdown

State stopgaps highlight uncertainty over federal contingency plans.

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Volunteers from Philip Morris International US, USI Insurance Services, Liberty Bank and regular volunteers pack food for distribution by Connecticut Foodshare’s mobile pantries, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. Philip Morris International US donated $100,000 to Connecticut Foodshare in recognition of Hunger Action Month. Connecticut Foodshare provides food to at least one pantry in each of Connecticut’s 169 towns and cities. “Because of our efficiency and our volunteer force here, every dollar donated we can turn into two meals, so $100,000 is great — 200,000 meals is even better,” said Jason Jakubowski, president and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant)
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HayDmitriy / Depositphotos.com

Overview

  • Gov. Ned Lamont said Connecticut will draw from its common cash pool to sustain WIC operations, costing roughly $200,000 per day for about 52,000 participants, with repayment expected once federal funding resumes.
  • USDA notified states that quarterly fiscal 2026 WIC allocations are paused and offered up to $150 million in contingency funds for shortfalls.
  • The White House said tariff revenue would be used to keep WIC solvent temporarily, though it has not specified the amount or how states would be prioritized.
  • New York officials warned that more than 400,000 residents could lose WIC within weeks if the shutdown persists.
  • Food banks reported rising demand, and Connecticut Foodshare authorized $1 million in emergency funding to prepare for sustained pressure on local pantries.