WIC services could stop for millions across the country if Congress can’t secure funding

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Millions of Americans could lose access to assistance programs for babies and their mothers.

Tens of thousands of people in Missouri and Arkansas could lose their coverage through the Women’s, Infants, and Children’s program. Now, according to a study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, WIC needs a boost in funding to overcome inflated food costs as more people are leaning on the programs for care.

“WIC is an essential part of the safety net for low and moderate-income families,” said Tara Williams with the Greene County Health Department. ”It’s a program that provides healthy foods, nutrition, education, breastfeeding, education, and then referrals as well to families.”

For new and expecting mothers in low-income situations, WIC gives them access to much-needed resources that, otherwise, would be hard to come by. It’s an integral part of many communities across the country, and it’s no different here in the Ozarks.

But, for tens of thousands of Missourians and Arkansans that could end if the funding deadline in September isn’t met. Shinn-Brown says that could mean a lot of issues for a lot of kids.

“The number of children that OACAC Headstart serves across its 10 county area is 700. And of those, 63%, so 438 qualify for WIC services,” said Kimberly Shinn-Brown with OACAC Headstart. “WIC is an essential part of the safety net for low and moderate-income families. In a wealthy nation like the United States, it’s incomprehensible to me that we would not make sure that young children have access to healthy fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and dairy products; they should be able to access milk without it being a financial burden on their family budget. It’s a perfect storm, we have the rising cost of food, combined with increased participation rates. And without additional funding, we’re going to have families who are going to have to go on a waiting list, or we’re going to have to pick and choose which types of families do not get services.”

WIlliams says they are aware of the situation but with the deadline in September so far away, now is not the time to panic.

“It’s so far out that that’s not even on our radar right now,” said Williams. “So we want to advocate and make sure that WIC can serve everybody that’s eligible for the program.”

The health department has seen issues like this before in situations like Government shutdowns. Leaders say this situation should NOT deter anyone from reaching out to get WIC services. If you’re interested in services visit WicWorks417.com

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