Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) on Tuesday introduced a bill to fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the government shutdown, as the funding lapse threatens payments of benefits if it continues.

The state health department is warning residents of potential delays in SNAP and WIC benefits in November because of the ongoing government shutdown.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a lifeline for low-income families, providing essential nutritional support. However, the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens its continuity,

CHARLOTTE — Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the WIC program will continue to provide food assistance to those in need. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed on Monday that the WIC program will remain operational for the foreseeable future by utilizing tariff money to keep it going.

With over 40 million Americans relying on SNAP and WIC benefits, the government shutdown is putting pressure on brands, grocers and farmers dependent on these programs for steady sales and supply continuity.

The state's Women Infants and Children Nutrition Program will not have the money to offer people benefits if the federal government's shutdown continues past late November, a state health official said.

WIC, a program that provides essential aid for women, infants and young children, is in jeopardy as shutdown continues.

SRHD officials say by Oct. 31, six WIC offices run by the Spokane Regional Health District will be forced to close their doors. This includes 29 employees who will be laid off until funding is restored. WIC provides food benefits for pregnant mothers, new parents, and children under five years old.

AL.com’s Mary Colurso reports that Chick-fil-A opened its first vending machine this month at the Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. USA Today had a reporter go over and check it out.