The WIC meals help program has obtained a $300 million lifeline to maintain working for a number of extra weeks through the government shutdown, in keeping with a supply acquainted with the funding switch.
The cash comes from leftover tariff income from the previous fiscal 12 months that usually is used to fund youngster vitamin packages. The US Department of Agriculture advised congressional staffers final week in regards to the switch, in keeping with the supply.
WIC, which supplies meals help and companies to almost 7 million pregnant ladies, new moms and younger kids, had been at risk of running out of money by the center of the month. But the Trump administration introduced final week that it might shift tariff revenue to this system.
The infusion needs to be sufficient to maintain WIC afloat for the remainder of the month, mentioned Ali Hard, coverage director on the National WIC Association. But if the shutdown continues into November, the advantages might as soon as once more be in danger.
Still, Mississippi has taken the weird step of instituting a wait checklist, prioritizing pregnant ladies, breastfeeding moms and high-risk infants for advantages, in keeping with the state Department of Health.
At least two Native American tribes have additionally arrange wait lists, in keeping with a supply acquainted with this system.