Guam WIC program temporarily limits food brands amid federal shutdown
The Department of Public Health and Social Services announced a temporary change to the brands of food items eligible under the Guam Women, Infants, and Children Program benefits, effective Oct. 16.
Public Health said participants must choose the least expensive brand available in certain food categories when redeeming WIC benefits.
These categories include seven food categories and subcategories which are: cheese, canned fish, juice, cold cereal, legumes (dry/canned beans), peanut butter, and yogurt.
Canned and dry beans are among food items included in the new least expensive brand policy . Photo by Skyler Obispo
The changes come amidst the second week of the shutdown of the federal government.
DPHSS said the WIC program currently has funding to continue services through at least the end of the month, and potentially into the first week of November.
“The LEB restrictions will remain in place until federal funding returns to normal,” Public Health said in a statement on Oct. 14. “Should Guam WIC funding decrease further, eWIC transactions may be temporarily paused, and all vendors and clients will receive notifications in advance if this becomes necessary.”
Participants are advised to use the ezWIC App to scan food items in store and confirm if it is eligible for redemption.
Public Health currently has 28 WIC Authorized Vendors, which include 26 retail, non-military stores and two military commissaries.
DPHSS public information officer, Julia N. Rivera, told the Journal the cost containment measure will only affect the retail, non-military stores.
Moreover, DPHSS announced on Oct. 17, that there may be a possible delay in November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits also due to the shutdown of the federal government.
"DPHSS strongly encourages all SNAP households to plan and use their benefits wisely to help
stretch their monthly food resources," it said. "Recipients are advised to monitor official updates through
press releases and DPHSS communications as the federal budget situation continues to evolve." mbj
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