WIC benefits will be available for redemption in Missouri into November. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, administered in Missouri by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and federally funded by the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, with funds appropriated in the federal government budget. WIC provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious foods and referrals to health services to qualifying individuals.
WIC families are encouraged to continue to attend appointments and redeem benefits using their WIC cards until further notice.
“One of the ways the department provides oversight of the WIC program is by evaluating the types of foods and services delivered in the program. Prior to the shutdown, the department made changes to some of the items available as a cost-saving measure. Rising food prices and the increased fruit and vegetable cash value benefit have caused WIC’s food costs to outpace our federal appropriation increases,” said Sarah Willson, director of DHSS. “However, these cost-saving measures, implemented at the beginning of October, have been valuable in extending the benefits to WIC families longer.”
Missouri WIC will continue to monitor funding availability each day as the federal government shutdown continues. Retailers and participants will be notified should a pause in benefit redemption become necessary in the latter half of the month.
