Congresswoman Pou Visit Highlights Shutdown Threats to Women, Infants, and Children’s Health

PATERSON, NJ – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ–09) today continued to tour her district as she visited a local food bank and a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) office in Paterson to highlight the negative impacts of the Republican federal government shutdown on New Jersey communities and residents.

“In the richest country in the world, no one should be left wondering where their next meal will come from,” said Congresswoman Pou. “But because of the Republican government shutdown, WIC and other programs are at risk of running out of funding. It’s imperative for Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement soon and protect food security across the country. At this very moment, parents and vulnerable infants need help the most as they could be left with nothing. This isn’t just a policy failure; it’s a moral one. I’ll continue fighting to reopen the government and protect food security across our communities.”

The Women, Infants, and Children Paterson Office has been funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 1975. St. Joseph’s WIC program has grown to become one of the largest in New Jersey. The main office in Paterson serves a monthly caseload of approximately 21,500 participants across three counties, operating one main administrative site and 16 satellite clinics serving Bergen, Morris, and Passaic counties 

The Paterson WIC office provides participants with vouchers and eWIC (electronic benefits) cards to purchase nutrient-rich foods. The program offers personalized nutrition counseling from on-site WIC nutritionists to help families make informed dietary choices that promote long-term health. Additionally, on-site lactation specialists provide breastfeeding classes, one-on-one counseling, and access to breast pumps for mothers in Paterson.

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