Governor McKee Acts to Protect Rhode Island Families Relying on WIC During Federal Government Shutdown

Published on Friday, October 31, 2025

More than 18,000 Rhode Islanders are enrolled in WIC

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today announced that he is taking action to ensure the continued operation of the federally-funded Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in Rhode Island through the end of November. WIC is a crucial federal nutrition program that provides healthy groceries and a range of services to more than 18,000 pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women in Rhode Island, as well as infants and children up to 5 years old. 

“WIC provides essential nutrition and support for women, infants, and children across our state,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Whether it’s standing up for Rhode Islanders being cut off from SNAP by President Trump or protecting families who depend on WIC, Rhode Island will not stand by and do nothing while this crisis hurts the people we serve.” 

Approximately $600,000 in state funds will be advanced to ensure this crucial benefit program continues uninterrupted through November. Without this action from Governor McKee, the WIC program in Rhode Island was expected to shut down in mid-November, leaving many pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children without access to food that supports health and development at critical stages. Additionally, through the program, families can access screenings, nutrition education, referrals, and breastfeeding promotion and support.  

The McKee administration will further assess the situation should the shutdown continue past November 30. 

Earlier this week, Governor McKee announced a series of actions [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net] to support Rhode Island SNAP recipients [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net] impacted by President Trump’s ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ leadership. WIC is a separate program. It is administered in Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Department of Health.