In Anoka County, WIC uncertainty adds to worries

Many women who seek refuge at Alexandra House, Anoka County's only shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence, were dealt yet another worry last week when the federal government shut down the Women, Infants and Children program.

"I would guess that anybody who is getting that assistance is concerned about how they are going to make ends meet," said Connie Moore, executive director of Alexandra House. "Anytime something like this happens, you're nervous."

Minnesota's WIC program, which provides health and nutritional needs for eligible families, will continue to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the shutdown for at least a few more weeks.

Moore, like many others, said Friday that she is anxiously awaiting the end of the shutdown.

"To lose assistance that feeds families has to make them wonder, 'What am I supposed to do in the meantime?"