A shutdown would affect the nearly 7 million women and children who rely on WIC for healthy food. Free school lunch and Meals on Wheels are also at risk, and SNAP could be impacted eventually too.

When children age out the food program WIC, they may suddenly lose access to healthy foods. A new UGA study aims to quantify the nutritional loss these kids face.

Fresh produce from the markets comes at no cost to eligible women, infants and children.  

In a nationwide switch to make WIC paperless, every participant in Georgia will have a debit card with electronic benefits by the end of the year. 

A switch to electronic purchasing will make using the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children  easier for low-income families. Sofi Gratas reports.

Participating health departments across most of Georgia are hosting farmers markets where WIC vouchers are accepted. The markets started in May and run through September. 

Just a handful of formula makers dominate the industry so a single plant shutdown can lead to empty shelves.