Local Assistance Clients May See Delays

food bank pop up three — Food banks already feeling the strain from higher prices are gearing up for more demand if the government shutdown affects WIC and other programs. (File photo/FBCENC photo)

The federal government shutdown may affect local recipients of some kinds of public assistance in the coming weeks.

Republicans and Democrats are at an impasse over a new spending bill that would, among other things, extend aid to foreign countries and undocumented immigrants, as well as preserving programs targeted by President Donald Trum earlier this year for elimination. With all federal funding on hold, two food programs may ser delays in November.

In a joint statement Friday, the Columbus County Health Department (CCHD) and the Columbus County Department of Social Services (DSS) said that the state Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) currently has funding secured through the end of October for both the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. Both programs are highly dependent upon federal funding to provide food assistance.

“At this time, all WIC and FNS benefits will continue to operate as normal through October. However, if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there may be a temporary interruption in benefits and services due to a lapse in federal funding,” the release said.

“In the event that funding is exhausted and the shutdown continues, our departments will provide the community with at least three days’ notice prior to any potential WIC office closures or suspension of WIC or FNS benefit disbursements,” officials said. “We also encourage all FNS recipients to stay informed and plan accordingly, as prolonged shutdowns could result in delays or interruptions in future FNS benefit issuance.

“We strongly encourage all WIC and FNS participants to continue using their benefits as intended during this time.”

County departments are closely monitoring the situation and remain committed to transparent communication with the community, the release said.

“We are hopeful that the shutdown will end quickly and want to reassure residents that we are taking a proactive approach to ensure everyone has timely and accurate information.”

For more information on WIC/FNS benefits and the potential impacts of the federal shutdown, please visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/fns and/or https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ncwic.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Columbus County Health Department, WIC office at 910.640.6615 or Columbus County Department of Social Services at 910.642.2800.