WASHINGTON (AP) — In a timely intervention, the Trump administration has infused $300 million into the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) this week to stave off potential fund shortages caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown that commenced on October 1. This critical program serves over 6 million low-income mothers, young children, and expectant parents, allowing them to purchase essential nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, and infant formula.
Prior to this funding boost, there were growing concerns that WIC would exhaust its financial resources, particularly since the federal funds were scheduled to be handed out shortly before the start of the government shutdown. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced on X that a 'creative solution' had been devised. The unexpected funding utilized surplus tariff revenue was seen as a means to keep the program operational. Reports from various states, including Alaska and Washington, indicated that WIC funds were already disbursed to keep local programs running into late October.
During a recent call with congressional staffers, government officials disclosed that the applied funds were among the tariff revenues tied to several child nutrition programs authorized by law. Without this intervention, many states would have been forced to allocate their own funds for WIC operations, delaying federal reimbursements once the government was funded again.
In Alaska specifically, there was a looming crisis as the WIC program risked halting operations due to insufficient funding. However, the newly provided funds — nearly $900,000 in total, including additional resources from other programs — will allow for uninterrupted service until at least November 8.
The significance of this funding couldn't be overstated amidst a contentious political landscape, as the shutdown stems from a failure between Republican and Democratic lawmakers to agree on a continuing budget resolution. Democrats have aimed to reverse harmful cuts to Medicaid while also extending subsidies for Affordable Care Act insurance plans benefiting millions. Meanwhile, the White House has pointed fingers at Democrats for allowing the shutdown to happen, highlighting the adverse effects on vital programs like WIC. However, the current administration has also been scrutinized for its approach to budget cuts affecting the WIC program itself in prior proposals.
