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WIC Special Supplemental Nutritional Program Remains Open Despite Federal Government Shutdown Oct. 1

Oct. 9, 2013. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program operating at the Appalachian District Health Department is open despite the federal government shutdown that occurred on Oct. 1.

Clients are encouraged to continue seeking WIC services and utilizing their issued program vouchers for needed nutrition.

The WIC program provided over $442,821 in revenue for Ashe County establishments accepting WIC and served over 645 families from June 2012 through July 2013. The program also provided over $488,409 in revenue for Watauga County establishments accepting WIC and served over 770 families from July 2012 through June 2013.

“WIC is a program that has been proven effective in maintaining and improving the health status of women and children who need it most,” said Jennifer Greene, director of Allied Health Services..

“We are grateful for the state operations managed at the NC Division of Public Health and NC DHHS that have allowed us to continue serving families since Oct. 1 despite the federal government shut down. We just learned that we will be implementing a waiting list for supplemental food support for all program participants who are currently enrolled and new participants who are eligible for WIC effective Oct. 9. Participants and those who may be eligible are strongly encouraged to continue coming to our office as we will be avoiding any further delays to these families while also providing important healthcare referrals while we wait for a resolution to this matter.” 

The WIC program offers support for pregnant women and children from birth to age 5 in achieving optimal health through nutrition education, healthcare referrals and supplemental nutrition.