What Are SNAP and WIC — and Why Millions of Children Could Go Hungry Without Them

What’s Happening?

Millions of kids across the U.S. are facing hunger — especially in rural communities, where 1 in 5 children don’t have enough to eat.

Now, the programs that keep food on their tables are running out of funding as the shutdown drags on.

7 million mothers, babies, and young children rely on WIC for nutritious food, formula, and vital health services.

Without action, that support could disappear.

SNAP helps feed 42 million people every month — including 16 million children who need healthy meals to learn and grow.

If funding stops, those families won’t know where their next meal will come from.

If Congress doesn’t act by November 1, SNAP benefits could stop nationwide – and WIC funding could run out soon after.

Families in rural communities will be hit hardest.