Concern is mounting among state officials and residents as the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens funding for several public assistance programs.
About 32,000 Idaho residents rely on the state’s Women, Infants and Children program, or WIC, for essential pantry items for pregnant mothers and parents of young children.
According to the Idaho Capital Sun, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is uncertain how it will continue funding WIC if the shutdown persists. While funding is available through the end of October, IDHW spokesperson AJ McWhorter told the Capital Sun the state has received no formal guidance on what to do when the tariff revenue-funded program runs out in November.
WIC provides a variety of nutritious foods.
WIC isn’t the only low-income assistance program at risk. In a press release last week, IDHW announced that monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits would be delayed at the request of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More than 130,000 Idahoans rely on SNAP.
The IDHW said people affected by the changes should visit food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens.
