Federal Shutdown Threatens Vital Nutritional Support for New Parents

Lucia Graves acknowledges that her household’s improved nutrition is largely thanks to the benefits received from WIC for her daughter and stepdaughter.

Despite major programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security remaining unaffected, the nutrition aid which forms a backbone for new mothers and expectant parents is likely to be among the first casualties.

Graves discovered her pregnancy in March 2020, precisely when the globe was bracing for the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, she was sustaining herself financially through her job as a waitress.

"Faced with the challenging news of a baby on the way and suddenly being jobless was overwhelming," she recalls.

Residing in Lebanon, N.H., Graves confronted pregnancy challenges, and her child arrived prematurely. After a short period of breastfeeding, she encountered a lull in her milk supply. Gaining access to the WIC program relieved her stress considerably.

She noted, "Receiving baby formula through WIC was a huge help. We got about 10 to 12 cans monthly, which, although not covering all needs, was still significant."

WIC extends aid by offering breastfeeding guidance, nutritional advice, and serving toddlers up till their fifth year. Nearly one in two infants born in the nation benefits from this program.

Now engaged, Graves and her partner, who also has a young child, greatly rely on the $26 allotted for each of their daughters monthly for fresh produce and WIC-approved food products. Losing this assistance would make it challenging to maintain a nutritious diet within their budget.

"The cost of staples like milk, eggs, and bread is escalating," she explains. "The discontinuation of aid would seriously impact our household."

The current shutdown poses an immediate problem, coinciding with the beginning of the federal fiscal year, leaving no new budget approved by Congress, thus preventing fresh agency allocations.

Nell Menefee-Libey of the National WIC Association warns, "An actual crisis in program operations could arise much sooner than during the previous shutdown in 2018."

The interim funding will rely on contingency reserves, leftover funds from the prior fiscal year, and infant formula company rebates, according to Menefee-Libey. States will then need to bridge any spending gaps, though their capacity to do so may vary.

Just before the shutdown began, $7.5 million were allocated to sustain their state’s WIC program. Historically, states have been reimbursed for such outlays in past shutdowns.

Menefee-Libey stresses the health benefit of WIC, citing its influence on favorable pregnancy and birth outcomes and the positive long-term dietary impacts on families. However, extended shutdowns might force the program to prioritize expectant and nursing mothers, potentially reducing support for preschool-aged children.

"Once a family is turned away, they’re unlikely to return," she remarks. "WIC's support at such vulnerable life stages is indispensable for children’s healthy future."

Separately, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is in a stable financial state, as its debit system for food purchase is funded a month in advance.

Gina Plata-Nino from the Food Research & Action Center advises, "Benefits remain available through October, and eligible individuals should proceed with their applications."

Meanwhile, food banks prepare to accommodate an increased demand from federal workers facing furloughs or working without pay.

During the past shutdown, professionals in suits queued at food banks, recalls Plata-Nino, due to halted income and the urgent need to pay housing costs.

She expresses hope that such drastic measures won’t be necessary this time around.