GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — According to a press release from the Kent County Health Department, citizens can still count on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) progam in Michigan.
“Some federal offices and programs are immediately feeling the brunt of the government shutdown,” says the release. “While federal spending has been cut for USDA programs, the Kent County Health Department would like to assure clients of the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) that the funding is in place in Michigan until further notice.”
The Michigan Department of Community Health has stated that by using 2013 ‘spend forward funding’ and reallocation funds from USDA, WIC should be able to sustain both administrative and food costs for four or five weeks. “We are receiving many calls from mothers who are confused and concerned about program cuts,” said Adam London, administrative health officer of the Kent County Health Department. “We are still accepting appointments with clients and potential clients.”
“Vendors are still able to accept WIC EBT (Bridge) cards for client purchases until further notice.”
“While it is unclear at this time how long this shutdown will remain in effect, or what will happen after four weeks, Kent County Health Department remains committed to keeping our clients updated on this situation,” London added.
The Calhoun County Public Health department has also stated:
“The Michigan Department of Community Health has received many questions regarding the impact of the federal government shutdown on WIC services. We understand the uncertainty this presents for our WIC clients, vendors and community partners.
WIC clinics statewide will continue to operate as usual, and WIC approved stores will continue to accept and redeem WIC EBT card benefits.
WIC is a federally funded USDA program and operates differently from State to State. In Michigan, the Department of Community Health projects it can maintain all WIC services until early November.
Michigan WIC is committed to keeping you informed. Please contact your local WIC clinic if you have additional questions.”
