DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The partial shutdown of the federal government has halted the checks for a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. The program known as WIC is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Based on need, it provides monthly checks for families to supplement their food budgets and offers nutrition education to pregnant women and families with children to encourage healthy eating choices.

The program’s administrator in Iowa, Jill Lange, says the state serves about 66,000 participants a month. If the shutdown lasts the entire month that many people would not get their monthly food checks. If it’s shorter in duration participants could get a check as soon as federal spending is again authorized.

The program received notice Tuesday that no checks can be issued until further notice.