WIC Nutrition Program Will Serve Clients if State Government Shuts Down July 1, 2015

SPOKANE, Wash. – June 24, 2015 – Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program is asking for help from media and its partners to help inform the community that WIC offices will remain open and continue to serve clients even if the state government shuts down July 1, 2015.
 
The state legislature has not yet approved state operating and capital budgets for the 2015–17 biennium, which begins July 1. If the legislature does not enact budgets by June 30, state agencies, including the governor’s office, will have to implement full or partial shutdowns.
 
But, due to the critical nature of WIC services and because WIC is federally-funded, all program offices in the state, including in Spokane, will remain open.
 
If the Washington state government shuts down July 1, 2015:

• Clients can use their WIC checks at contracted stores
• Local WIC clinics will be open to provide WIC services
• The Washington State Department of Health WIC office will operate as usual
• Authorized WIC vendors will still accept WIC checks and vendors will still receive payment

Additionally, WIC has openings for more clients. For more information or to locate a WIC clinic near you go to: www.spokanewic.org