The following is an announcement issued from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Please share broadly in your networks.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is closely monitoring all programs and services impacted by the federal shutdown and especially our FoodShare and WIC programs that provide critical nutrition assistance to our communities, including moms, babies, families, and older adults. Below is what we know as of October 21 about FoodShare and WIC benefits and how they are impacted by the federal shutdown.

WIC benefits

Wisconsin WIC is currently available in October, and based on the information available at this time, November benefits will also be available.

October FoodShare benefits

  • The FoodShare program is fully funded through the month of October. Members received benefits in the first part of the month on schedule.
  • The federal government provides monthly funding for FoodShare benefits directly to the fiscal vendor that manages Wisconsin’s QUEST cards – electronic benefit transfer cards members use to pay for groceries using FoodShare. The federal government provided October funds to our FoodShare vendor on schedule.

November FoodShare benefits

  • The Trump administration has told us that there is not enough funding to provide another month of food benefits unless the government reopens. The shutdown must end before members can begin getting benefits again. FoodShare benefits are 100 percent funded by the federal government.
    • This means that FoodShare members will not get their monthly benefits on time in November. Even if the shutdown ended tomorrow, for example, November benefits will be delayed.
    • We are notifying all FoodShare members of this by mail, as well as text and email messages when possible and on the FoodShare: News and Updates webpage. FoodShare members can also view mailed letters in ACCESS. View a copy of the letter we mailed to FoodShare members about the delay in November benefits.
    • After the shutdown ends and there is federal funding for FoodShare again, we will work as quickly as possible to start issuing benefits again. When we know the timing of this and what benefits are available, we will let members know by mail, text, and email, as well as by announcing through our website and other channels.
  • In the past, FoodShare members have been able to use any benefits on their cards throughout a shutdown, even if new benefits are not available. However, the federal government may choose to make it so people can’t use benefits during this time.
    • Because we are unsure what the federal government may do, we are being cautious and noting that there is a possibility that starting November 1, members may not be able to use their QUEST cards even if they have benefits on them.
    • Members who have benefits on their cards may want to stock up on food items that don’t go bad – canned goods, boxed items, etc. – with their benefits before the end of October.
    • This does not affect members who have used all the benefits on their cards by the end of October.

What is important for Wisconsinites to know is:

  • November FoodShare benefits will not be available unless the shutdown ends. If the shutdown ends soon, even if were to end tomorrow, for example, November FoodShare benefits will still be delayed.
    • FoodShare benefits may not be available on QUEST cards to make purchases in November. This may include any funds remaining on your card at the end of October.
    • Members who have benefits on their cards may want to stock up on food items that don’t go bad – canned goods, boxed items, etc. – with their benefits before the end of October.
  • We are mailing FoodShare members letters this week to notify them of the delay in benefits.
    • These letters are available electronically in ACCESS.
    • We have updated our FoodShare: News and Updates webpage to share the latest information available.
  • We will directly notify FoodShare members once the shutdown ends about when they will resume receiving benefits.
    • Whenever the Department of Health Services has more information about the effects of the shutdown on our programs, we will share through our website, emails, social media, and other channels.
  • Wisconsin WIC is currently available, and based on what we know today, November benefits will be available.
    • During the government shutdown, WIC members can use their WIC benefits, attend WIC appointments, and do not need to take any action.
    • If there are changes to the availability of WIC funding and benefits, DHS will let WIC members, partners, and providers know as soon as possible.
  • Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus members still have coverage to get the care and services they need. For updates, visit the Medicaid News page.
  • Any Wisconsinite who needs additional food or infant formula for their house or family can reach out to 211 for information and referrals to local services. Anyone can use 211 to get help by:
    • Dialing 211 or 877-947-2211.
    • Visiting their website at 211wisconsin.communityos.org. Through the website, people can search for services or chat with someone online who can help.
    • Texting their ZIP code to 898211.