Government Shutdown Jeopardizes Vital Food Aid Program for Millions of American Families

As the federal government remains shuttered, critical programs designed to protect America's most vulnerable — especially low-income mothers and young children — face imminent collapse. Among them is the $8 billion Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), serving over six million Americans who rely on it for infant formula, fresh produce, low-fat milk, and other essential nutritious foods. The timing could not be worse. With the shutdown beginning at the start of the new fiscal year, WIC's federal funding has nearly been exhausted. Currently propped up by a $150 million contingency fund, experts warn that without...