Update on federal budget and WIC funding
September 21, 2023
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are back in session, and the White House has called on Congress to pass a short-term spending bill, known as a continuing resolution. Its passage would avoid a federal government shutdown on Sunday, October 1, and ensure critical federal programs remain funded through the end of 2023.
What happens to food benefits if there is a government shutdown? School meals would continue uninterrupted, but other federal programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would be impacted in different ways. The Blueprint will collaborate with state agencies to share updates and messaging about any impacts to Colorado programs as they become available.
Take action through our national partner, Alliance to End Hunger, to help prevent a government shutdown.
While Congress has until September 30 to avoid a government shutdown, next year’s full federal budget remains up for debate and includes annual funding for WIC. Recent data shows that the program needs a significant increase in funding – at least $7.2 billion in total this coming fiscal year – to support increased participation and provide full benefits to those enrolled across the nation.
As part of their budgetary ask, the Biden Administration seeks a boost in funding for WIC and requested an additional $1.4 billion due to higher food costs and participation. The program provides food assistance and other benefits during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as for children under the age of 5 – some of the most important years for brain development and healthy growth.
If WIC does not receive full funding for 2024, new parents and young children could be waitlisted, while others could see their benefits cut. It is estimated that 66,000 in Colorado would be directly impacted if this happens. Read more from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Find out how you can take action to strengthen WIC.