The US government shutdown has raised concernscupamong thousands of Cuban families in Miami who depend on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). If the federal budget shutdown continues, food aid could run out in a matter of weeks, directly affecting low-income pregnant mothers, infants, and young children.
In Miami-Dade County, where a significant portion of WIC recipients are newly arrived Cuban families or those in the process of obtaining immigration status, uncertainty is growing.
Many depend on the program for access to basic foods such as milk, infant formula, fruits, vegetables, and cereals, items that are difficult to afford with local wages or part-time jobs.
“WIC has been a lifeline since I arrived from Cuba with my toddler,” said Hialeah resident María Rodríguez.
"If it's suspended, I don't know how we'll eat. Everything is very expensive, and the children need good nutrition." Stories like hers are echoed in various South Florida neighborhoods, where the cost of living continues to rise and food prices have reached historic levels.
Currently, the program opera with a federal contingency fund of $150 million, but experts warn that it could soon run out.
Some states have promised to cover the costs if the situation continues, although Florida has not confirmed whether it will do so.
WIC benefits more than six million people nationwide and has been instrumental in improving children's health. However, the government shutdown has put its continuity on hold, which could deepen food insecurity in vulnerable communities like the Cuban community in Miami.
If the budget freeze continues, the program could run out of resources in less than two weeks, leaving millions of families without access to basic, nutritious food.
WIC, with an annual budget of $8,000 billion, offers vouchers for essential items such as infant formula, low-fat milk, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.