While SNAP is a food assistance program, WIC is a supplemental nutrition program focused on pregnant people, infants, and young children. It provides more than just food.
WIC provides specific nutritious foods (like fortified cereals, milk, eggs, fresh produce, and infant formula), nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to local health or social services.
According to the talented Celia Nabor, assistant director for prevention services with the Arizona Department of Health Services:
“WIC, the federal anti-hunger program that supports 145,000 women, children and infants across Arizona every month. So far, the program has been operating as usual, as several federal allocations have allowed it to stay up and running during the shutdown.”
Nabor also noted the limits in an Arizona Republic article this week:
“Funds for WIC recipients’ meal benefits are on track to run out on Nov. 15. Those costs add up to $12.5 million per month, or $415,000 per day. “The program’s administrative costs — such as the 550 staff who run 120 WIC clinics across Arizona — will run out at the end of November.”
The clinics help assess families’ nutritional needs, provide breastfeeding support, and connect people with local hunger programs, at a cost of about $2.5 million per month.
For families who may lose SNAP benefits in November, WIC offers a more targeted, though temporary, safety net. Eligible participants should check with local WIC clinics to understand their benefits and access services while federal funds last.
