The U.S. Department of Agriculture is transferring $300 million to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to keep the program running through October as a government shutdown drags on.
The move draws funds from USDA’s child nutrition programs account, which is partly supported by past tariff revenue, and does not require congressional approval. The infusion is expected to prevent immediate disruptions for nearly 7 million participants who rely on WIC for healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other services.
USDA officials said the agency plans to continue using tariff revenue for WIC in the near term, though they offered few specifics. Advocates stressed that the measure is a short-term fix. “Full funding for the program is still the priority here, and we need the long-term commitment from Congress,” said Georgia Machell, president and CEO of the National WIC Association.
Funding for WIC has been uncertain since the start of fiscal 2026 on Oct. 1, leaving states to rely on small contingency funds and leftover money from the prior year. The program’s funding remains subject to congressional approval, making it particularly vulnerable during the shutdown.
President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2026 budget proposed cutting more than $1.3 billion in fruit and vegetable benefits for 5.2 million participants. Lawmakers have split on full-year funding: the Senate approved an $8.2 billion allocation that maintains all benefits, while the House Appropriations Committee proposed $7.5 billion with a 10% cut to fruit and vegetable vouchers.
Officials urge families to continue using WIC benefits and checking with state agencies for updates. “With the $300 million infusion, WIC should still be operational,” said Kate Scully of the Food Research & Action Center.
For original reporting from Arkansas Advocate, click here.
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