Public Health reports WIC short‑term loan request to keep benefits flowing if federal shutdown continues

Summary

County Public Health reported that the California Department of Public Health has requested legislative approval for a short‑term state loan to keep WIC operational through Dec. 31, 2025, if federal funds do not arrive; the county will monitor developments. HSA is awaiting state guidance on CalFresh partial payments timing.

Rosemary Rand, from Kings County Public Health, provided an update on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program amid the federal government shutdown.

Rand said the California Department of Public Health has requested authorization from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for a short‑term state loan to ensure WIC remains operational if federal funding lapses. She said the Department of Finance estimates such a loan would allow WIC to operate through Dec. 31, 2025, but cautioned the estimate is subject to change and depends on the federal situation. The county will continue to monitor state and federal actions.

Administrator staff added that the Human Services Agency is awaiting state guidance about timing and the method for CalFresh partial payments; estimates shared in the meeting suggested recipients might expect payments in about one to three weeks but no firm schedule had been issued at the time of the meeting.