NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno and McPherson County WIC Coordinator Heather Peterson clarified that if there is a federal government shutdown, there would be a change to one of the benefits WIC families receive.
"It doesn't mean that WIC services or WIC benefits will go away," Peterson said. "I just want to make sure that everyone is reassured that WIC has the funds nationally to continue to offer services and provide benefits during a shutdown. The only thing that this is going to impact would be the fruit and vegetable benefit."
The fruit and vegetable benefit would be reduced, it would not go away.
"In March 2021, the USDA temporarily increased the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit to $25 a month for children and then between $44 and $49 a month for women," Peterson said. "It was a temporary bump and it was set to continue through Sept. 30, 2023. If the government would shut down, then starting on Oct. 1, 2023, that fruit and vegetable benefit would revert to the pre-2021 amounts, which would be $9 for children and $12 for women."
Those who receive WIC benefits should be paying attention to their WIC Shopper app.
"As we get closer to Oct. 1, any communication about changes in that benefit will be pushed out through the WIC Shopper app from the state WIC agency," Peterson said.
The WIC office cannot change a start date on benefits, but if you have questions, you can go by and ask. The WIC office is open Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or call them at (620) 259-8442.
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