HARRISBURG, Pa. – Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine on Wednesday stressed the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program offices are still open, and mothers and children will continue to have access to nutritious food during the federal government shutdown.

“While we are hopeful that the federal government will quickly end the shutdown, we must make sure that mothers, infants and children have access to nutritious food,” Dr. Levine said. “WIC programs across the commonwealth are funded and remain open at least through February. Programs like WIC are essential to providing families healthy food options, and the Wolf Administration is committed to ensuring these programs continue.”

More than 205,000 pregnant women, mothers and children are enrolled in WIC statewide.

Dr. Levine visited the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank with U.S. Senator Robert Casey (D-PA) as the food bank supports federal workers who are no longer being paid. Funding from WIC comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is shut down as part of the federal budget impasse.

“It is essential that our leaders in Washington work to resolve this impasse, as the impacts will be felt far and wide throughout this country the longer it continues,” Dr. Levine said.  “WIC is funded through February, but we don’t know what will happen after that.  We cannot let mothers, infants and children to go hungry while Washington sorts out their issues.”

WIC has provided funding for healthy food for pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers and children under age five since 1974. To participate in WIC and check eligibility, visit www.pawic.com .

For more information about the Department of Health, visit www.health.pa.gov or follow the Department of Health on Facebook and Twitter.