Seattle, King County offer food vouchers for WIC recipients if shutdown continues
Ruby de Luna
A sign that reads “Closed due to federal government shutdown,” is seen outside of the National Gallery of Art on the 6th day of the government shutdown, in Washington, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
As the federal government shutdown continues, Seattle and King County officials have announced a plan to help families who rely on WIC — a federal food assistance program for mothers, babies, and children — when their benefits run out.
The city and the county have partnered to dedicate nearly $2 million to provide one-time vouchers to an estimated 30,000 clients in King County who rely on WIC.
“We know that when food benefits disappear, it has a real impact, especially for families already stretched thin,” said Vazaskia Crockrell, director for Community Health Services at Public Health Seattle-King County.
“This will ensure that despite the shutdown, our WIC clients will continue to receive essential nutritional support.”
Nearly $1.5 million will come from King County’s Best Start for Kids initiative. The City of Seattle will contribute $500,000.
The state Department of Health, which administers the program statewide, estimates it has enough funds to sustain WIC for the next two weeks. The department says once the money runs out, it will force a full closure as DOH does not have the means to continue running it.
If the shutdown doesn’t end before that time period, King County will issue vouchers to current clients ranging between $50 to $225 in value, that can be redeemed for food staples and infant formula at Safeway stores.
So far, DOH has advised WIC participants to continue using their benefits and accessing services until further notice.
Correction: An earlier version of the story noted the vouchers to range between $25 to $50 in value.