“WIC” program considered “non-essential”

The South Carolina DHEC is providing an update on the impact of the federal shutdown as it relates to a key assistance program. The Department of Health and Environmental Control in Columbia announced yesterday it has been informed that the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program is considered “non-essential” under the shutdown and will not receive federal funding. WIC clients should continue using their vouchers as usual and WIC-approved vendors should continue to honor those vouchers. DHEC says it has identified some reserve funding to continuing processing vouchers, but services will be interrupted and reimbursements will be discontinued October 15 unless the USDA releases funds.