Congress Fully Funds WIC!

Just ahead of a deadline that would have resulted in partial government shutdown, Congress passed a bipartisan budget bill that included full funding for WIC, including over $1 billion in additional funding needed to avoid waiting lists for the program that had been absent in previous proposals. WIC will now be able to continue serving all eligible participants for FY 2024 as well as keep the current fruit and vegetable benefit intact! President Biden also released his FY 2025 funding plan, which includes $7.967 billion for WIC – an amount that should support a continued rise in enrollment as well as rising food costs – as well as flexibility to provide emergency funding should the pace of enrollment or the cost of food outstrip projections. 

California's Super Tuesday

On March 5^th California joined 16 states and one U.S. territory in holding “Super Tuesday” primary elections. Voters weighed in on the Presidential primary, Senate primary, House races, and many local elections. Early primary results point to a record-breaking number of women serving in the California Legislature after the November election.

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



Participation in WIC has had positive impacts on reducing childhood obesity. The conference agenda includes researchers, academicians, epidemiologists and clinicians to examine different aspects of addressing childhood obesity.   Our opening plenary will feature Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, recognized globally as an Obesity Medicine Physician Scientist, Pediatrician, Policy Maker, Patient Advocate and Thought Leader.  We are excited to share the conference agenda and invite you to check it out. Join us May 6-10, and find the agenda, event info, trade show and registration here.

We Want to Hear Your WIC Story!



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.

Local Agency Sharing at CWA Conference Celebrates 50 Years



Lots of powerful and impactful work takes place with ideas generated and implemented in WIC local agencies. Just check out the WIC Watch magazine for examples of just a few accomplishments. Sharing about those efforts is important and helpful to other agencies in California and across the nation. CWA invites any local agency in CA or across the nation to share your local projects at the annual conference. We make it easy -find out more here. Questions? Ask Lena

Read the Spring 2024 WIC Watch Now!



We're pleased to share the Spring 2024 issue of the WIC Watch! This is a great opportunity to read news from CWA, local WIC agencies, and partner organizations. Have a great idea for a story? It's never too early to submit for the next issue! Contact Sarah to learn more!

Reminder - CWA is Hiring!



If you desire to work with dedicated and passionate WIC staff and partners across the state and nation, we have the opportunity for you!

We are hiring for our Executive Director position with a starting date of July 1. Karen Farley will remain at CWA focusing on CalAIM efforts.

As part of our diversity plan, we are offering the positions with the option for remote work, but require full time California residency. We welcome applicants with strong experience in WIC, nutrition, lactation, birth equity and public health.

You can find the position description here. We welcome your inquiries and hope you share this information with your staff. If you have any questions, contact Karen or Lena.

A new study finds that policies to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from motor vehicles combined with investments in electric vehicles and public transportation would reduce air pollution and bring large benefits to children's health. They would also save money.

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The U.S. maternal mortality rate, previously reported at 32.9 deaths per 100,000 births, is now suggested to be significantly lower at 10.4 deaths per 100,000 births, according to a recent study. The discrepancy in reported rates stems from complexities in data collection methods. Despite the revised lower rate, racial disparities persist, and efforts to prevent maternal deaths remain critical.

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Dozens of hospitals have discontinued obstetrics services or closed entirely and few that offer obstetrics have opened in the past decade, according to a new analysis. In total, the number of hospitals delivering babies in California has dropped from at least 250 in 2012 to 214 today.

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Increases in young children's screen time are associated with decreases in adult words, child vocalizations, and back-and-forth interactions, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

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Researchers observed an increase in food insecurity among U.S. families with older adults, from 12.5 to 23.1 percent in 1999-2003 to 2015-2019. There was more than a doubling seen in the rates of recurring food insecurity (5.6 to 12.6 percent) and more than a tripling in the rates of chronic food insecurity (2.0 to 6.3 percent).

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