Trump administration injects $300 million into WIC program amid government shutdown

In a critical move to prevent disruptions in food assistance for millions of families, the Trump administration this week directed $300 million toward the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) so the program would could its operations during the ongoing government shutdown.

WIC supports over 6 million low-income mothers, pregnant individuals, and young children by providing access to essential nutrition items such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and infant formula. 

The government shutdown, which began just before WIC was due to receive its annual funding, left many state and tribal agencies trying to find ways to continue operations, according to the Associated Press.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced on X that the administration had found "a creative solution" by reallocating revenue from tariffs to keep the program operational and federal funds had begun flowing to several states by Thursday.