KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As the government shutdown continues, the WIC program now faces funding uncertainty. The program provides nutrition support and services for low-income families.
The National WIC Association is warning that millions of families could lose access to their WIC benefits as early as November 1, unless President Donald Trump’s administration provides additional emergency funds next week. In East Tennessee, local mothers and families are expressing concerns.
Judges order the Trump administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown
Helping Mamas Knoxville is stepping in to offer assistance, just in case the program is disrupted. Helping Mama’s told 6 News that one in five children under the age of 5 in Tennessee live in poverty and potentially losing federal support for essential items like this could put even more strain on families.
WIC benefits provide nutritious foods, education, and health care referrals for low-income women, infants, and children under five. The program helps families stay healthy, and the possibility of losing that support has some worried…