Rep. Kiggans Continues to Put Working Families' Lives on the Line as WIC Funding Runs Out (Copy)

Virginia Beach, VA – This week, it was announced that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly called WIC, a program that provides pregnant women, new mothers, and their young children with healthy food and formula, would lose funding as a result of the current shutdown in Washington. This is a direct result of Rep. Kiggans and Republicans in Congress putting billionaires ahead of their constituents and not agreeing to lower health care costs. In defunding WIC, Rep. Kiggans is doubling down and putting working families’ health on the line.

“I have the privilege of working with lower-income families, and I see firsthand each day what a difference the WIC and SNAP programs make in people’s lives,” said Sabrina Davis, founder of RESET in Chesapeake. “Families come here to bridge the gap between paydays and support from WIC and SNAP. I’m angry that lawmakers refuse to compromise. Because they refuse to make the health care tax credits permanent, people aren’t just going without health care — they’re also going without nutritious food and full bellies. This is on them: hungry kids who won’t be able to see a doctor or get the meals they need. I’m urging lawmakers to fix it. Save WIC, save SNAP, and save health care.”

“Virginia has over 100,000 WIC recipients each month, that’s 100,000 new moms and young children who are going to be missing meals,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable VIrginia Campaigns Director. “When Rep. Kiggans voted to rip health care away from her constituents, she clearly wasn’t thinking about the ripple effect it would have. This shutdown will see families across Hampton Roads go without in every way – whether they’re a federal employee not getting paid, or a mom with an infant who won’t be able to afford formula. We are demanding Rep. Kiggans put her constituents first before funding runs out as soon as this week.”