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5h ago

WIC Faces Funding Cliff as Shutdown Stalls New Federal Allocations

Uncertain legality of a tariff-funding pledge leaves congressional action or temporary state money as the practical path to avoid disruptions.

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Officials at the Lower Shore WIC office in Salisbury said they have funding for the next few weeks — but aren’t sure what happens after that. The federally funded program is among those affected by the government shutdown. (Josh Davis/Staff)
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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Overview

  • USDA paused quarterly FY2026 WIC allocations and is deploying up to $150 million in contingency funds that advocates say could last roughly one to two weeks.
  • The White House said tariff revenue would be used to bolster WIC during the shutdown, though legal analysts and reporters note no clear authority or details for such a transfer.
  • Connecticut committed state operational funds to keep benefits flowing, and Colorado approved $7.5 million to cover October, while other states signal only short-term capacity.
  • State and local agencies report clinics remain open for now in places including New York, Maryland, Nevada and North Carolina, but several warn services could be curtailed if federal funds lapse.
  • WIC serves about 7 million people nationwide, so a funding gap could quickly affect pregnant people, infants and young children, with some states expecting later federal reimbursement for any fronted costs.