The Department of Public Health and Social Services announced that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, will continue operating during the ongoing federal government shutdown. All WIC clinics remain open and are providing food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referral services to eligible families.
According to the department, continuity of services was made possible in part through assistance from the Leon Guerrero–Tenorio Administration, which identified local funding earlier this month to cover benefits while federal funds were temporarily unavailable. DPHSS Director Theresa Arriola said the administration’s intervention ensured no families experienced interruption in services during the initial phase of the shutdown.
WIC clients are reminded that October food benefits are redeemable at all authorized vendors. Participants are encouraged to use the EzWIC mobile app, available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, to check benefit balances, view approved items and receive alerts from WIC clinics.
DPHSS expressed appreciation to WIC clients and community partners for their patience and said the department remains committed to supporting maternal and child nutrition. For questions or assistance, the public may contact the DPHSS WIC Program at (671) 475-0300 or email michael.gallo@dphss.guam.gov.