WIC and SNAP Program Status - The federal government shutdown is impacting WIC and SNAP benefits, which provide food for low-income families [2] - Some WIC agencies temporarily suspended operations due to lack of emergency funds, pushing families to food pantries [3] - Additional funding was provided to WIC programs, expected to last states at least another week [6] - The White House will temporarily sustain the WIC program using revenue from tariffs [6] - WIC leaders need more information about the amount and timing of available funding [7] Food Bank Challenges - Food banks are experiencing increased demand, partly due to federal cuts of $0.5 billion to food banks and agriculture programs in March [4] - Federal employees not getting paid are also contributing to the increased demand on food banks [4] - The government shutdown is expediting the increase in demand, potentially exceeding food bank capacity [5] - A prolonged shutdown could dramatically increase the level of need [5] Impact on Families - Nearly 7 million people in the US rely on the WIC program [1] - Families are visiting food banks for the first time [1] - Families are relying on food banks to supplement food needs due to disruptions in WIC and SNAP [3] - Even a week without a paycheck can cause families to need food bank services [5]