WIC program running on limited funds

PLYMOUTH, Ind. -- Many moms in Michiana will soon lose benefits that help them feed their children if the shutdown doesn’t end soon. They need the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program to provide food for their children.

Lindsey workman uses her WIC vouchers to buy groceries at a local grocery store. She says without the vouchers, she doesn't know how she will feed her family.

She uses WIC vouchers to buy bread, eggs and milk.

"For me it's very important. That's how we get by. We don't have a ton of anything. But we at least know today we have food, healthy food," said Workman.



With a 7-year-old son and a baby on the way, Workman needs the program to feed her growing family.



She likes because it allows her to buy healthy, fresh food she may not otherwise be able to afford.



It's hard for her to even think about how she'd get by without it.



"I just go day by day because like I said If I think about it, it gets you down," said Workman.



WIC employees say the state projects the program will run out of money in 30 days if the shutdown continues.

"We have anywhere from 7,500 to 8,000 participants each month," said WIC employee Mellisa Lathion.



Workman says she will have to go to the food bank if the shutdown continues.



"I interned at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and I've seen the lines. And I don't want to have to go there. But I do know that may have to be an option as a pantry," said Workman.