News
October 21, 2025
Riley County WIC receives nearly $100K for October salaries
Riley County Health Department Director Diane Creek delivered some “good news” to county commissioners Monday regarding staff salaries for the county’s Women, Infants and Children program amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
**Riley County, KS** – Relief has arrived for the Riley County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, with the announcement of nearly $100,000 in funding secured to cover staff salaries for the month of October. The news, delivered by Riley County Health Department Director Diane Creek to county commissioners on Monday, comes as a welcome respite amidst the uncertainty caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The WIC program provides crucial support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Services include nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other social services. The program is federally funded, but administered at the state and local levels.
Director Creek highlighted the importance of this funding, explaining that the federal shutdown had cast a shadow of doubt over the program's ability to maintain its current staffing levels and continue providing uninterrupted services to the community. The nearly $100,000 allocation ensures that WIC staff can continue their vital work without the added stress of potential salary delays or disruptions.
"This is certainly good news for our WIC program and the families it serves," stated Creek. "The shutdown has created a lot of anxiety, and this funding provides a much-needed sense of stability. Our staff is dedicated to providing essential resources to vulnerable populations, and this allows them to focus on that mission without worrying about their livelihoods."
The Riley County WIC program serves a significant number of families in the region, and any disruption in services could have a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and young children. The secured funding will allow the program to continue operating smoothly, ensuring that these vulnerable populations receive the nutrition and support they need during this challenging time. While the long-term impact of the federal shutdown remains to be seen, this short-term funding offers a crucial lifeline for the Riley County WIC program and the community it serves.
The WIC program provides crucial support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Services include nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other social services. The program is federally funded, but administered at the state and local levels.
Director Creek highlighted the importance of this funding, explaining that the federal shutdown had cast a shadow of doubt over the program's ability to maintain its current staffing levels and continue providing uninterrupted services to the community. The nearly $100,000 allocation ensures that WIC staff can continue their vital work without the added stress of potential salary delays or disruptions.
"This is certainly good news for our WIC program and the families it serves," stated Creek. "The shutdown has created a lot of anxiety, and this funding provides a much-needed sense of stability. Our staff is dedicated to providing essential resources to vulnerable populations, and this allows them to focus on that mission without worrying about their livelihoods."
The Riley County WIC program serves a significant number of families in the region, and any disruption in services could have a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and young children. The secured funding will allow the program to continue operating smoothly, ensuring that these vulnerable populations receive the nutrition and support they need during this challenging time. While the long-term impact of the federal shutdown remains to be seen, this short-term funding offers a crucial lifeline for the Riley County WIC program and the community it serves.
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Politics