Published September 30, 2025

Learn more about how the shutdown will impact child nutrition programs and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by reading FRAC’s blogs. 

The bottom line: Based on what we know now, WIC can remain operational during a short-term shutdown if steps are taken to support the program. Stakeholders should look to their WIC agencies for official updates on operations.  

What is the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)? 

WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides nearly 7 million eligible nutritionally at-risk pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals, infants, and children up to 5 years old, with nutritious foods, education and counseling, and referrals to health care and social services.  

  • How is WIC funded?  
    • WIC is a discretionary program subject to annual appropriations (This is different from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and many other federal nutrition programs that are entitlements). 
  • What happens to WIC during a government shutdown?  
    • WIC remains open for as long as funding is available. Historically, WIC has been able to maintain services for participants for a short period of time during shutdowns. This is done by drawing on specific types of funding.  
    • However, a shutdown at the start of a fiscal year presents additional challenges as states do not have much funding on hand. State budgets also are pressed in many states, meaning general funds may not be available to help cover WIC. Based on what we know now, it could be difficult for WIC to maintain operations if a shutdown goes beyond a week.  
    • Unless told otherwise, WIC participants should continue to use their benefits and attend scheduled appointments while eligible people should continue to apply.  
  • What funding sources might WIC in your state be able to draw on during a shutdown to maintain operations?
    • U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) typically issues a memo on funding sources to draw from during a shutdown. This cannot be published until after a shutdown goes into effect. Below are sources typically available for WIC during a shutdown: 
    • USDA FNS should use the $150 million contingency fund for WIC. Use of this must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  
    • States can utilize the ability to carry forward up to 3 percent of fiscal year 2025 funding if unused. Remaining funds are returned to USDA FNS who converts them to funds that can be reallocated for fiscal year 2026. Staff at FNS should work quickly to reallocate any returned funding to states to use at this time.
    • Depending on what is included in their state’s formula contract, states may be able to use available funds from their formula rebates. 
    • States can choose to use general funds if needed to maintain WIC during a shutdown. Historically, when states have done this, they have later been reimbursed by the federal government.
    • Depending on the duration of a shutdown and available funding, it is possible that how long WIC will remain open will vary by state. 
  • Where can you find information about the status of WIC benefits in your state?  
    • Most WIC state agencies will share public messages about WIC remaining open through their website or WIC apps. It is important to get information about WIC operations from WIC official sources.  
  • What messages should advocates share with lawmakers? 
    • USDA should utilize all available means to provide WIC funding during a shutdown.
    • States should take steps to allocate general funds to WIC if needed to keep the program operational and urge lawmakers to allocate general funds to keep WIC open.  

It is important for states to prioritize continuing WIC before, during, and after a government shutdown, given how critical the nutritional supports offered by the program are for the short- and long-term health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women, and their infants and young children. 

For more information about how a government shutdown will affect WIC in your state, check in with your WIC state agency to learn about their plans for funding and operations during a shutdown, and ways to support.