Alabama WIC food benefits back on track following Federal shutdown

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The state health department says the Alabama Women, Infants and Children Program is resuming issuance of three months of food benefits. The program had gone to one-month issuance because of the partial government shutdown. Program Director Amanda Martin said the return to three months of benefits took effect Friday. WIC has an average monthly caseload of 139,000 women, infants and children up to age 5. They receive nutrition education and vouchers for specific food items, such as eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, and fruits and vegetables.