Government Shutdown Averted – WIC Fully Funded
But a trifecta of challenges looms come October 1
Because of advocacy by the Food Bank Network and community members, the government has fully funded WIC, a program helping pregnant women, new moms, and young kids get healthy food.
With an extra $1.03 billion, WIC can support more families in need, making sure they have the food they need to grow and stay healthy. The 1.03 billion dollars will ensure that WIC is fully funded until September 30, 2024, meaning no families will have to be waitlisted and lose out of the vital program.
A Trifecta of Challenges
Although a government shutdown has been averted, looking ahead to October 1st, a crucial date looms, marked by what some might term a “trifecta” of challenges. On October 1, a full budget must be passed, the Farm Bill must be reauthorized, and programs like WIC must once again be fully funded.
Foremost among these challenges is the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, a cornerstone of agricultural and food policy in the United States. The Farm Bill encompasses a multitude of provisions aimed at promoting food security. Key components include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP is the largest component of the Farm Bill’s nutrition title. It provides crucial assistance to low-income individuals and families, enabling them to purchase nutritious food items.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP provides commodity foods to emergency feeding organizations, including food banks like the Chester County Food Bank, to supplement their efforts in addressing hunger and food insecurity.
- Support for Farmers Markets and Local Food Systems: The Farm Bill includes provisions to support local food systems, including farmers markets and community-supported agriculture programs, thereby increasing access to fresh, locally sourced produce for consumers, including those in underserved communities.
With the “trifecta occurring by October 1, the Chester County Food Bank will be here to support our neighbors. We will continue to depend on supporters like you to meet the need and to advocate for policies that support our neighbors. Together, we can mobilize our community to ensure access to real, healthy food.
Stay informed about WIC and advocate for policies that support food security programs by signing up for our Advocacy Alerts. Your voice can make a significant difference in shaping the future of these programs.
The Chester County Food Bank is the central hunger relief organization serving more than 160 food cupboards, meal sites, and social service organizations throughout Chester County. We mobilize our community to ensure access to real, healthy food.
Updated March 19, 2024 The Government has come to an agreement on spending until September 30, 2024 – averting a government shutdown.