Parents and children could see less food assistance

Millions of parents and children could start the new year without food.

Reports show one federal food assistance program is projected to be $1 billion short in 2024.

The nutrition program commonly known as WIC is facing higher demand and higher grocery prices.

Making sure kids get the food they need is every parent’s priority, but not all of them can make ends meet.

That’s why many rely on government food assistance programs like WIC.

However, a report from the Center for Policy and Budget Priorities says millions nationwide could be at risk of losing coverage if Congress does not approve additional funds for the program.

According to the USDA, in Florida this past September, there were more than 400,000 participants in the WIC program, all of whom could be affected by a lack of funding.

“We had many people coming in and asking for it,” said Kiara Nery, a cashier at Brazmarket in Fort Myers.

Brazmarket said they just started offering WIC and EBT 8 months ago and have seen the relief this gives families.

“It’s very sad when somebody comes into your place and they want to buy something, but we don’t offer what they need, and after we got the EBT cards and the WIC, it’s very happy to see customers, especially with kids and buy what they want to buy, and we can give this to them,” Nery said.

Non-profit organizations like St. Matthews House say that as a result of the high demand for food assistance, they’re hosting food distributions several times a week.

Congress would need to decide by Jan. 19.

On Nov. 17, President Biden signed off on $6 billion for the program, but the Center for Policy and Budget Priorities said the program needs $7.3 billion to meet the current demand.

Click here for the link to Florida WIC numbers.

Click here for the link to the research of millions at risk of losing coverage.

Click here for more info on WIC.

Click here for stores that offer WIC.