Low-income families relying on the Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) program are facing uncertainty after a federal funding freeze was announced this week. W.I.C., a $7 billion initiative, provides vouchers for healthy foods to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children in need.

The program is entirely funded by the federal government, but the money flows through states for local administration. While programs offering direct assistance to individuals are typically exempt from funding pauses, it’s unclear if W.I.C. falls under this category. This has left state and local officials questioning whether the program’s funding will be impacted.

Advocates are worried about the potential consequences. “Millions of moms and babies depend on W.I.C. every day for nutritious food, infant formula, and breastfeeding support,” said Alison Hard, a policy expert with the National W.I.C. Association. She called any threat to the program “catastrophic.”

For now, W.I.C. operations are expected to continue as states receive funding on a quarterly basis. Officials are urging families to keep using the program while they seek clarity from the federal government.

This isn’t the first time W.I.C. families have faced challenges. During the previous administration, many immigrant or mixed-status families avoided public benefits, fearing it could hurt their chances of obtaining legal status. Recent surveys show that immigration concerns still deter some eligible families from accessing vital resources like W.I.C.

As the funding freeze raises questions about W.I.C.’s future, advocates are working to ensure this essential program remains a lifeline for families in need. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.