The government shutdown has put public health nutrition programs in the headlines, but many people still don’t know what they actually do or how much they matter.
Programs like WIC quietly help millions of families every year, improving birth outcomes, reducing infant mortality, and strengthening local economies.
To unpack how it all works, I sat down with Dr. Shannon Whaley, Director of Research and Evaluation at PHFE WIC, who leads the only research department inside a local WIC agency in the country. We talked about what WIC does, why it’s different from SNAP, and what happens to families when programs like these are left hanging in political limbo.
What We Covered
In our conversation, Dr. Whaley:
Explains what public-health nutrition is and why programs like WIC are core health infrastructure.
Breaks down how WIC differs from SNAP, and why both matter for families.
Shares evidence showing that WIC participation improves birth outcomes, diet quality, and economic stability.
Discusses the impact of the recent permanent increase to the fruit and vegetable Cash Value Benefit (CVB) and what her research found.
Describes how shutdowns and funding uncertainty could affect WIC operations and families on the ground.
Find your local WIC clinic here to see if you qualify.
Thank you Kelly Grey, Lauren Filbert, Connie Goldman, Diana, maggie, and many others for tuning in live!
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