USDA Unveils Final Food Package Rule

Last week, after much eager anticipation from the WIC community, USDA released the final rule updating WIC food packages! The new food package is science-based and participant-centered, with a focus on expanding choice and cultural relevance of available WIC foods. Of the changes we are most excited about is that the increase to the fruit and vegetable benefit will be made permanent! Additional positive changes include expansion of WIC-approved whole grains, the inclusion of more fish, and the ability to swap additional fruit and vegetables for the juice or jarred infant food! See full details and USDA resources here, and check out NWA’s toolkit to access resources as you communicate this announcement. It includes sample social media posts and a press release template.

Department of Labor Finalizes Regulation on Pregnant Worker Accommodations

On Monday, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission published a final rule implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, “providing clarity to employers and workers about who is covered, the types of limitations and medical conditions covered, how individuals can request reasonable accommodations, and numerous concrete examples.” 

CA Lawmakers Agree on a Plan to Reduce Deficit

California Democratic leaders announced last week they had come to an agreement on a plan that would reduce the state's budget shortfall – estimated to be as high as $73 billion – by $17.3 billion through a combination of spending cuts, delays and deferrals, but the California legislature’s budget subcommittees will continue to meet over coming months to hammer out budget details. 

CA Digital Equity Plan Approved

The State of California announced the approval of the Digital Equity Plan by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The approval of the plan allows the State to apply for an initial allocation of $70.2 million of capacity grant to fund initiatives outlined in the plan that connect vulnerable residents and communities to affordable internet service, devices, digital navigation service and digital literacy training. The Executive Summary has been translated into seven languages.

SUN Bucks Coming to CA Families This Sumer



The California Department of Social Services has submitted a plan to USDA to implement the permanent Summer EBT “SUN Bucks” program in 2024 and provide benefits to eligible children.

This new program can help fight the higher rates of food insecurity children experience during the summer by providing a monthly stipend to purchase food when school is out.

·       An estimated 5.1 million children are eligible in California

·       Eligible children will receive a card with $120 to purchase food during the summer

·       Using Summer EBT benefits will not affect a family’s immigration status

Families should make sure their address is current by updating it at BenefitsCal.com or contacting their children's school. Summer EBT SUN Bucks Flyer 031524 - English Final

Looking Forward: WIC Celebrates 50 Years- Conference May 6-10



We are on track to have 1,000+ WIC staff and partners join us for this year’s conference to learn  and celebrate together. We are honored to host subject matter experts from across California, the nation and even Ireland! Check in on the agenda. We have lots to celebrate, WIC’s 50^th anniversary, a new food package and full funding for WIC in 2024. And of course, the heart of the program- participants and staff. Join us May 6-10, and find the agenda, event info, trade show and registration here.

Share Your WIC Story - THIS WEEK!



As we commemorate the golden jubilee of WIC, we invite you to share your cherished memories and reflections about this beloved program. We've made it simple for you to contribute —just follow this link to record or upload your thoughts. We encourage you to share a story of one to two minutes, you can easily participate using either your computer or mobile device. Your experiences are invaluable, and we encourage you to spread the word within your circles and communities, inspiring others to join in the celebration. We would like to have your story by April 24th!

Welcome Jenn Duran West to the CWA Team!



We are excited to introduce Jennifer Duran West to CWA, as our Program Manager. Jenn comes from The Lundquist Foundation WIC in Los Angeles. In her eighteen years of WIC experience, Jenn has worked in a clinic providing services, lead employee teams, implemented nutrition and lactation policies, and developed employee growth strategies, among many other responsibilities. She is a passionate IBCLC. You will see Jenn at the conference and in many other initiatives. CWA is honored to have WIC staff join our team and excited that remote staffing allows CWA staff to be across California.

Read the Spring 2024 WIC Watch Now - 50th Anniversary Edition!



We hope you are enjoying the WIC Watch. For conference attendees, a printed copy comes in your conference bag, in the mail. Kudos, snaps, shout out to all those who shared stories of the outstanding work that goes on every day in WIC agencies. WIC and WIC Plus! Stories of strength, commitment, ingenuity, and love. So many words describe these outstanding efforts. You are everyday heroes!

Have a great idea for a story? It's never too early to submit for the next issue! Contact Sarah to learn more!

World Breastfeeding Month is Just Around the Corner!



World Breastfeeding Month is in August, but celebrations are starting in May! Please be sure to send CWA your flyers & promotional media, and later photos. We will compose a video montage of all the celebrations. Send materials  or questions to jduranwest@calwic.org.

For pregnant Latinas, food choices could reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a dangerous type of high blood pressure, and a diet based on cultural food preferences, rather than on U.S. government benchmarks, is more likely to help ward off the illness, a new study shows.

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Parents of very low-birth-weight premature infants are more likely to use mental health care in the first year after discharge from the NICU than families who do not have a premature infant, according to a study.

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The Environmental Protection Agency announced new drinking water standards last week to limit exposure to a class of chemicals called PFAS. This is the first time the agency has set enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water.



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Children and young people who are overweight or obese are at significantly higher risk of iron deficiency, according to a study by nutritional scientists.



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Researchers found that when an adult talked and played socially with a 5-month-old baby, the baby's brain activity particularly increased in regions responsible for attention -- and the level of this type of activity predicted enhanced language development at later ages.

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