By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
As the U.S. Congress remains deadlocked over a federal budget deal, prompting a government shutdown, Washington state officials are working urgently to inform residents about the looming impact on vital services—chief among them, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. With funding on the line, the state is bracing for the possibility that thousands of vulnerable families could soon lose access to critical health and nutrition resources.
WIC provides essential support to low-income pregnant individuals, new parents, infants, and children under age 5. The program offers access to healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; nutritional education; breastfeeding support and counseling; health screenings; and referrals to medical and social services. It has been shown to reduce infant mortality, promote healthy childhood development, and lower rates of childhood obesity.
Currently, Washington WIC serves nearly one-third of all babies born in the state, as well as 36% of children under age 5, and 29% of pregnant people. The program operates 208 offices across the state and employs more than 650 people.
Brittany Tybo, director of the Department of Health’s Office of Nutrition Services (ONS), says that the government shutdown could have devastating effects on Washington families.
“This federal shutdown will have a very real impact on families and communities in Washington state,” Tybo said.
Based benefit utilization data, health officials believe the program has enough resources to sustain the program for about two more weeks and are encouraging participants to continue using their benefits.
“Based on normal utilization, internal estimates are that Washington WIC may be able to sustain benefits for approximately two weeks before a federal shutdown would force a full closure of the program,” says ONS officials. “Until then, WIC is asking participants to continue using their benefits, go to their scheduled appointments, and access program services as usual. If the shutdown lasts longer than that, DOH does not have the ability to backfill WIC funding.
Tybo hopes that the government shutdown is resolved before it starts to significantly impact the overall health of families in Washington state.
“The services that WIC provides reduce infant deaths, improve the growth of at-risk infants and children, increase immunization rates, increase access to community supports, and help ensure early prenatal care for pregnant participants,” says Tybo. “All of these benefits are at risk for WIC families, and the risk increases the longer the shutdown continues.”
