Federal shutdown jeopardizes vital assist for infants, youngsters, and pregnant folks

For speedy launch: October 1, 2025   (25-118)

Contact: DOH Communications

Washington’s WIC program might stop operations as quickly as one to 2 weeks into shutdown

OLYMPIA – With the federal authorities now shut down, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is assessing speedy impacts and dealing with companions to attenuate disruptions to vital public well being providers. One of probably the most at-risk providers is Washington’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which gives wholesome meals and vitamin assist to greater than 212,000 Washington residents annually.

WIC program faces vital funding scarcity

Based on inner estimates, Washington WIC might be able to maintain advantages for one to 2 weeks earlier than a federal shutdown would power a full closure of this system. Until then, WIC is asking members to proceed utilizing their advantages, go to their scheduled appointments, and entry program providers as standard.

As of September 2025, Washington WIC serves practically one-third of all infants born within the state, in addition to 36% of kids beneath age 5, and 29% of pregnant folks. WIC helps enhance the well being of fogeys and kids via wholesome meals, vitamin training, breast and chest feeding assist, and well being screenings and referrals. The program operates 208 workplaces throughout the state and employs greater than 650 folks.  

“This federal shutdown can have a really actual affect on households and communities in Washington state,” mentioned Brittany Tybo, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services, DOH. “The services that WIC provides reduce infant deaths, improve the growth of at-risk infants and children, increase immunization rates, increase access to community supports, and help ensure early prenatal care for pregnant participants. All of these benefits are at risk for WIC families, and the risk increases the longer the shutdown continues.”

Additional impacts to DOH

Due to the shutdown, DOH might want to briefly lay off or cut back work hours for about 50 workers beginning October 6 whose positions are absolutely or partially funded by federal {dollars}. The majority of those positions are positioned within the Office of Nutrition Services, which manages the WIC program. Additionally, many contractors who perform public well being work, together with personal organizations, native well being jurisdictions, and Tribes, might also be affected as DOH displays a number of pending federal grants.

For extra data on impacts of the shutdown, go to DOH’s Federal Government Shutdown web site.

Our web site is your supply for a wholesome dose of data. Get updates by following us on social media.

###