What They’re Saying: Governor McKee Acts to Protect Rhode Island Families Relying on WIC During Federal Government Shutdown

Published on Friday, October 31, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today took action to protect and support Rhode Island women, children, and families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. 

Here’s what they're saying: 

“WIC provides food and critical services to support healthy growth and development for thousands of families throughout Rhode Island,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “We are thankful to the Governor and our State partners, who are acting to ensure the continuity of the program through the end of November, and to all our WIC partners throughout the state for their continued commitment to Rhode Island families.” 

“Children’s Friend commends the Governor for ensuring that WIC benefits will continue for Rhode Island children through the month of November. No child should go hungry because of a federal government shutdown. Ensuring that our youngest and most vulnerable children continue to have access to basic nourishment is a moral responsibility of all of us adults. We are proud and thankful that Rhode Island is stepping up to protect our kids.” - David Caprio, President and CEO, Children’s Friend

“As the only WIC program in Washington County, Wood River Health serves a large geographic region. This program is a vital resource to families, and disruptions in their ability to receive benefits impact their overall health and well-being. On behalf of our organization and patients, we appreciate the state’s support in filling the gap during the federal government shutdown.” - Alison Croke, President and CEO, Wood River Health

“Without the state’s contingency funding, the 1,400 infants and children who receive monthly nutrition assistance through Meeting Street’s WIC program would go hungry. I am proud to live and work in a state that shares Meeting Street’s values of compassion, respect, and inclusivity, by demonstrating - through its actions - that all children in our community have a right to basic nutrition.” - John Kelly, President, Meeting Street

“As Director of the WIC Program at East Bay Community Action Program, I am both thankful for and impressed by Governor McKee’s commitment to ensuring that two of our most vulnerable populations in RI- women and children- continue to receive their WIC benefits for healthy foods throughout the month of November. This is encouraging news for RI pregnant/breastfeeding women and their young children.” - Beth Nitkin, Director, WIC Program, East Bay Community Action Program