WIC still operating in Michigan

CADILLAC – Although the federal government shutdown has temporarily suspended funding for a nutrition program for low to moderate-income mothers and babies, the local Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has enough funds to continue operating, according to a press release from District Health Department No. 10.

The report says health departments have received numerous calls from mothers worried about cuts to WIC. The federal government stopped funding WIC and other U.S. Department of Agriculture programs on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

But Stan Bien, Michigan WIC Director for the Michigan Department of Community Health, says “it should be able to sustain administrative and food costs for the program in the state for at least four to five weeks.” The money comes from 2013 “USDA carry-over funds that have been approved for WIC service continuation”.

Each local office of District Health Department No. 10 is still making appointments and serving both current and potential clients. And stores are still able to accept WIC EBT cards, known as Bridge cards, “until further notice,” said Anne Bianchi, local WIC program director.

“District Health Department No. 10 remains committed to keeping our clients updated on this situation,” Bianchi said. “We want to assure clients that we are open for business and will continue serving the public until advised differently by the state.”

For more information about WIC in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/wic.