Tulare County stores that cater to people using WIC, the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, are bracing for possible impacts.
"Since this is a program funded by the federal government, any change that happens in the government directly comes to us. It is related to basic nutrition, so we are hoping it does not affect us, but we will just have to wait and see," says Zia Hirani.
Zia and Karim Hirani are owners of multiple Kids NutriCare stores.
Their four locations in the South Valley serve over 250 customers daily.
"We are hopeful that the government is monitoring this closely because it is for the low-income community. They have their own set of problems," says Karim. "Money is something that takes care of a lot of things in your family."
The store has seen firsthand how WIC assistance has impacted locals, helping put healthy food options on the table.
"It's a very important program to get their nutrition for the initial years of their lives, and it is funded by the federal government so any changes that happen in the government, it impacts us directly," expresses Zia. "For the customers, it is even scarier because they depend on this program. They do get their SNAP benefits, but this is direct nutrition."
Griselda Molina is a customer who is seven months pregnant and expecting her fourth baby.
With WIC, she is able to buy baby formula that can cost hundreds of dollars a month.
"Hopefully, they don't take it away because it would be damaging to us," expresses Griselda.
While there are still many because of the government shutdown, local employees, customers and owners of Kids Nutricare are still hoping for the best.
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