Marina
The Lyon County WIC Office, managed by CareArc, has announced its closure starting Monday, October 13, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
This shutdown has disrupted the operations of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides essential nutritional support to low-income families.
Impact on WIC Services
Program Overview
The WIC program offers free, nutritious food benefits to low-income mothers and their children, along with breastfeeding support and referrals to other services.
It is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and distributed via congressional appropriations.
Office Closure Details
The closure of the Lyon County WIC Office will primarily affect individuals seeking new certifications and recertifications for WIC benefits.
However, existing food benefits will remain unaffected at this time. To manage new certifications and recertifications during the shutdown, Lyon County WIC is collaborating with the Johnson County Health Department.
Funding Challenges
The federal government shutdown has posed significant challenges for local WIC offices to continue normal operations.
Although the White House has announced plans to temporarily sustain WIC through revenue from tariffs, details on the amount of funding, timing, and duration remain unclear.
Currently, the program is operating on a $150 million contingency fund, which may last only one to two weeks.
Community Impact
Approximately 700 participants are enrolled in the Lyon County WIC program, contributing to the over 40,000 Kansans served monthly by WIC programs across the state.
CareArc’s CEO, Renee Hively, expressed hope that the shutdown will be resolved promptly to restore benefits to local WIC agencies and continue supporting women, infants, and children in the community.
Alternative Support Options
Individuals seeking assistance during this period are advised to contact the Johnson County Health Department at 913-715-5000 or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) at 785-296-3683.
Additionally, monitoring the CareArc website and social media channels will provide the latest updates on WIC services.
The closure of the Lyon County WIC Office due to the federal government shutdown highlights the vulnerability of federally funded programs like WIC during periods of political gridlock.
While existing food benefits remain unaffected, new certifications and recertifications are impacted. Community members are encouraged to utilize alternative support options and stay informed through official channels.