Mississippi's WIC program halts new enrollments amid federal budget standoff

In a statement Thursday, MSDH said the agency is following contingency guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and high-risk infants are considered Priority 1 and can still be evaluated and certified. All other new applicants will be placed on a waitlist until a federal budget is passed.

Angel Greer, CEO of Coastal Family Health Center, said the uncertainty is already hitting South Mississippi families.

"Helping these families make ends meet by giving them an opportunity to have access to those nutritious foods and infant formula is life changing," Greer said. It's life sustaining. We're putting people's health at risk by putting them on the waiting list."

WIC serves thousands of Mississippi families, providing healthy food, breastfeeding support and nutrition education. Coastal Family Health Center offers WIC services at three clinics across the Gulf Coast. Greer said her staff is continuing to certify Priority 1 clients, but the waitlist is growing for others.

Greer said WIC provides essential support at a time when the cost of groceries and infant formula remain high.

"These young families, they come in and having the resources that the WIC program offers is a lifeline," Greer said. "It's the difference between hunger and malnutrition and having access to healthy food."

She also expressed frustration with Congress for allowing another shutdown, calling it a failure of leadership that leaves health providers and families in limbo.

"We live in the United States of America and we should be able to get the work done to get a budget in place and avoid these government shutdowns," Greer said.

Health officials say they remain committed to minimizing disruption during the shutdown. Families are encouraged to check the MSDH website, WIC Shopper mobile app or call center for updates.