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Local WIC officials warn of potential increased need if SNAP benefits are delayed
Summary
WIC staff told the commission KDHE submitted a needs assessment to USDA during the federal shutdown and that local agencies expect increased demand if SNAP benefits are not issued for November. County WIC is coordinating with community partners to secure infant formula if necessary.
Caitlin Spatz and a colleague from the Riley County WIC program updated the commission on Oct. 27 about contingency planning amid the federal government shutdown.
Spatz said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) submitted a needs assessment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking additional funds and that local agencies expect to learn their initial November allocation shortly.
"There is a lot of conversation on Thursday about the impact of SNAP benefits not being issued for November," Spatz said, noting the county anticipates increased demand for WIC services if SNAP payments are delayed.
Spatz added that WIC benefit issuance is tied to certification dates rather than calendar months, but local offices and partners are assessing options to ensure access to infant formula and other essentials if federal food benefits are interrupted. She told the commission staff were coordinating with community partners, including local food banks, to identify interim funding sources for critical items.
The WIC representatives said they will return with updated allocation numbers once KDHE notifies local agencies.
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