RALEIGH (AP) — A state-run but federally funded program designed to ensure proper nutrition for pregnant women and their young children is still taking applications for now in North Carolina despite the partial government shutdown in Washington.
The state Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday it can enroll new applicants for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children through at least next Tuesday. Current enrollees should continue receiving help for now, although that’s subject to change.
The WIC program provides food vouchers, nutrition education and health care referrals for 264,000 women and children monthly in North Carolina. The federal government pays the entire $200 million to run the program.
The state DHHS has had to furlough hundreds of state employees whose salaries are paid with federal funds.