The Barton County Health Department shared this news release about the Women, Infants and Children program.

Because of the current federal government shutdown, there is uncertainty about how long WIC funding will continue uninterrupted. WIC participant families rely on support for nutritious foods, breastfeeding help, health referrals, and education. 

Here’s what you should know right now.

What might happen

• WIC may continue to operate in the short-term in some communities in Kansas by utilizing limited remaining prior year federal funding.

• Without a federal solution that provides additional funding to states and the community agencies who deliver WIC services, there is a risk that benefits or services will be paused, reduced, or cease.

• As of Oct. 6, funding for WIC food benefits is estimated to last until the end of October, however that cannot be assured.

What you can do

• Keep using your WIC benefits. If your benefit period is open, continue shopping, redeeming food, and attending appointments.

• Stay in contact with your WIC clinic. Ask whether there are any changes to service schedules, food options, or benefit availability.

• Check before your appointment. For any scheduled appointment, contact your WIC clinic 24 hours in advance to verify if it is still open.

• If your WIC clinic closes due to lack of funding, contact the State of Kansas, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) at 785-296-3683 for assistance.

• Plan ahead (if possible). If you can, buy shelf-stable healthy foods or extra items you regularly use—while balancing food safety and storage.

• Identify any available alternative community resources. Local food banks, pantries, and nonprofit groups may step in to assist if WIC services are temporarily disrupted.

• Advocate. Consider letting your U.S. Representatives and Senators know how important WIC is to your family, and urge them to restore funding.

Reach out to your local WIC office if you have questions or immediate concerns.