WIC Program Halted in Tribal and Non-Tribal Nevada Due to Government Shutdown

Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada (ITCN) announced Wednesday that all WIC program services will be temporarily suspended. Beginning Thursday, no benefits will be issued, offices will close statewide—including in Reno, Elko, and Las Vegas—and staff will not conduct appointments until federal funding is restored.

ITCN’s WIC program serves both tribal and non-tribal families across Nevada, offering nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental foods. The suspension affects all 28 federally recognized tribal communities as well as community offices that assist non-tribal residents.

Blanca Plascencia-Reyna, ITCN WIC program director, expressed concern about the suspension’s impact, especially in rural and tribal areas where food access is already limited. She said that all existing participant appointments will be rescheduled once operations resume.