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California’s WIC Offices Will Remain Open During Fed Gov’t Shutdown 

October 6, 2025

The California Department of Public Health announced that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue operating during the federal government shutdown using existing funds. The program, which provides healthy food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to approximately 988,000 low-to-moderate income California residents monthly, remains open and is still serving and enrolling eligible families. Following the October 1 shutdown caused by a budget impasse in Washington, the Congressional Black Caucus blamed Republicans and former President Trump for the funding lapse.

Who is affected

  • Approximately 988,000 low-to-moderate income California residents who receive WIC benefits monthly
  • Pregnant women, new and breastfeeding mothers, infants and children under five at nutritional risk
  • Caregivers including fathers, grandparents, and foster parents who apply on behalf of eligible children
  • About 750,000 federal employees placed on unpaid leave
  • Military troops, TSA agents, and border patrol agents working without pay

What action is being taken

  • California WIC offices are remaining open and continuing to serve and enroll eligible families
  • The California Department of Public Health is maintaining WIC services using existing funding
  • Families are being advised to continue using their WIC benefits and attending appointments
  • The CDPH is monitoring the situation and updating their website with current information

Why it matters

  • WIC provides essential nutrition support to nearly a million vulnerable Californians monthly
  • The program represents significant funding with approximately $1.4 billion for food expenditures and $341.7 million for nutrition and administrative services in the 2025-26 budget year
  • A prolonged shutdown could drain critical resources, potentially leaving millions of families without essential benefits
  • The shutdown has halted most non-essential federal operations, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint