Despite the federal government shutdown, Wisconsin residents receiving food assistance will receive their February benefits, according to the Department of Health Services (DHS).
“During this time of uncertainty, Wisconsin residents should be assured that FoodShare, WIC, and other federally funded food assistance programs will continue uninterrupted through February,” said DHS Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm. “Our top priority is to ensure the needs of Wisconsin residents are met and to share information with members, partners, and stakeholders as the situation evolves.”
According to the press release:
FoodShare
- FoodShare members will receive their February benefits loaded onto their Quest cards as soon as January 20, 2019. There will not be an additional benefit in February.
- Individuals can submit new FoodShare applications during the shutdown. DHS will be posting updated information on the FoodShare
WIC
- Individuals a part of the Women, Infants, and Children program will receive their benefits in February. The WIC program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education or support, supplemental nutritious foods, and referrals to other health and nutrition services. DHS will be posting updated information on the WIC
TEFAP
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program will continue to provide through February. It provides food to pantries and meal sites. DHS will be posting updated information on the TEFAP
CSFP
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program will continue through February. It provides free, nutritious foods to low-income seniors aged 60 or older. DHS will be posting updated information on the CSFP
Some programs will not be impacted in February, including the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) Program, FoodShare Outreach, and the SNAP-Ed program.
Programs that are not impacted by the federal government shutdown include BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid, and SeniorCare.