A U.S. government shutdown threatens the crucial WIC program, which provides vital nutrition assistance to millions of low-income pregnant women, mothers, and young children. With the fiscal year starting and funding allocations halted, states may run out of money within weeks. This could lead to "devastating disruptions," impacting access to healthy foods for families who rely on the program, potentially becoming one of the first tangible effects of the shutdown.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.