Missouri WIC benefits to remain available through November despite federal shutdown

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri WIC benefits will remain available for redemption into November, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, is administered by DHSS and federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. The program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, and health referrals to eligible participants.

WIC families are encouraged to continue attending appointments and redeeming benefits using their WIC cards until further notice.

Sarah Willson, director of DHSS, said recent cost-saving measures have helped extend the availability of benefits despite rising food prices.

“One of the ways the department provides oversight of the WIC program is by evaluating the types of foods and services delivered,” Willson said. “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. However, these cost-saving measures, implemented at the beginning of October, have been valuable in extending the benefits to WIC families longer.”

DHSS said it will continue monitoring funding availability daily as the federal government shutdown continues. Retailers and participants will be notified if a pause in benefit redemption becomes necessary later in the month.

For updates, visit Welcome to Missouri WIC! | Health & Senior Services.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA policy, the WIC program prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital or parental status, income from public assistance, political beliefs, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Individuals with disabilities who need alternative communication formats—such as Braille, large print, audiotape, or American Sign Language—should contact their local or state WIC agency or use the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711.

To file a discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) at USDA.
or write to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Ave. SW, Mail Stop 9410
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410