Washington Secures WIC Food Benefits Through Mid-November Amid Funding Concerns

Washington State has secured additional federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue food benefits for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program through mid-to-late November despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. This extension is crucial for supporting over 212,000 women and their children under five annually in the state, providing healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health screenings. However, funding is based on current redemption rates and could be exhausted sooner if usage increases. Meanwhile, Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) warns that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the state-funded Food Assistance Program for legal immigrants will halt after October 31 without restored federal funding, threatening food security for nearly 930,000 individuals, including 35% children. These programs are vital lifelines for families facing economic hardships and rising living costs, underscoring the urgency of reinstating federal support to prevent interruptions in essential food assistance. The state is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.