Federal shutdown threatens nutrition program for 212,000 Washington families

OLYMPIA — The federal government shutdown threatens to cut off critical nutrition support for more than 212,000 Washington residents within weeks, state health officials warned Wednesday.

Washington’s Women, Infants, and Children program faces a funding crisis that could force closure as soon as one to two weeks into the shutdown, according to the state Department of Health. State officials estimate the program can sustain benefits for approximately two weeks based on normal usage patterns.

“This federal shutdown will have a very real impact on families and communities in Washington state,” said Brittany Tybo, director of the Office of Nutrition Services at the Department of Health. “The services that WIC provides reduce infant deaths, improve the growth of infants and children, increase immunization rates, increase access to community supports, and help ensure early prenatal care for pregnant participants.”

As of September 2025, WIC serves nearly one-third of all babies born in the state, 36% of children under the age of 5, and 29% of pregnant individuals. The program operates through 208 offices statewide and employs more than 650 staff members, providing access to healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health screenings.

State health officials are urging current WIC participants to continue using their benefits and attend scheduled appointments while funding remains available.

The Department of Health will temporarily lay off or reduce work hours for about 50 employees starting October 6. These positions receive full or partial federal funding, with most located in the Office of Nutrition Services that manages the WIC program.

Additional disruptions may affect contractors who carry out public health work, including private organizations, local health jurisdictions, and tribal communities.

For more information on impacts of the shutdown, visit DOH’s Federal Government Shutdown website.