SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Nearly 100 clients in Summit County were unable to get their WIC vouchers for the month of October before the government shutdown, but emergency funding from a local source was approved to provide food to the mothers, children and infants who didn’t get their vouchers.
The Summit County Council approved funding for WIC-approved foods for existing Summit County clients through the month of October, and there are plans to extend the measure through November if necessary.
According to a press release from the Summit County Health Department, clients who had already obtained their WIC vouchers can use them in October at their assigned vendors. Those clients who did not obtain vouchers will be notified to come to the health department office to acquire weekly amounts of non-perishable items.
There are 624 WIC clients in Summit County, and 89 of them were unable to collect their October vouchers, according to the release.
Richard Bullough, Summit County health director, thanked those involved for their assistance.
“In addition to community partners who have stepped forward to help us meet the needs of our citizens, I would like to thank the Summit County Council and County Manager for recognizing the importance of this program and keeping our community healthy,” he said in the press release.
The program will continue on a weekly basis through October, if needed. The council has already approved additional emergency funding for WIC operations should the government shutdown continue into November.
