The State of WIC 2022

The State of WIC 2022 report summarizes WIC’s positive public health contributions across the nation in the past year and provides the framework to build upon the program’s longstanding success.

Report highlights

  • WIC services and foods have supported positive birth outcomes and child development that have resulted in millions of health care cost savings.
  • WIC adapted in 2021 to address the increased health needs of the nation by reducing barriers to WIC services with innovative solutions.
  • WIC aims to accelerate ongoing modernization efforts to provide accessible shopping experiences to WIC families.
  • Increased fruit and vegetable benefits improved 4.7 million WIC participants’ access to nutritious produce, provided an estimated economic contribution of $2.62 to $2.81 billion, and supported upwards of 25,000 food supply chain jobs.

WIC’s noteworthy accomplishments stretch far beyond WIC families to the community at large. Read the full State of WIC 2022 report to learn more about how WIC will continue to help build a healthier nation.

Learn more about WIC’s impact:

Infant Powdered Formula RECALL: Similac Alimentum or Elecare

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Similac PM 60/40, Alimentum, or EleCare infant formulas due to possible Cronobacter contamination. The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. If you have any concerns about your infant’s health, contact the infant’s health care provider immediately.

Products included in this recall have a lot number, located on the bottom of the container, which includes the following:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Use Abbott’s web-based tool to check a product’s lot number to determine if the product is part of the recall.

Only one lot of Similac PM 60/40 is included in this recall.

  • Lot # 27032k80 (can)
  • Lot # 27032K800 (case)

If you purchased recalled formula, do not use the formula and do not throw it away. Contact the store where the purchase was made to return the recalled formula or exchange the formula for a similar type.

If you received a recalled formula through the WIC state order process, visit similacrecall.com or call 1-800-986-8540 for a replacement.

Additional Information for Parents and Caregivers:

  • More information on Cronobacter and infant formula is available on CDC’s website and similacrecall.com.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.
  • Never dilute infant formula.
  • Never make or feed homemade infant formula to infants.

Thanks for the love! WIC scores 98% in satisfaction survey

PHFE WIC’s winter 2021 customer service survey asked the simple question, “How was your WIC appointment?” In response, thousands of WIC participants replied with heartwarming feedback, testimonials, and words of appreciation. 98% of survey respondents gave the top “great!” rating for their appointment.

Here’s what our participants said about their last appointment:

To all our participants:

Your feedback and experiences matter to us as we continue to strive to improve our services. It is our pleasure to walk alongside you through your pregnancies, watch your children grow, and cheer you on through this precious time of life.

Thank you for growing healthy with WIC! We can’t wait to talk to you again at your next WIC appointment.

Warm regards from all of us at PHFE WIC!

PS: We love to hear from you! If you’d like to share feedback about your WIC experience, leave a Yelp or Google review for your local WIC office, or contact us directly!

WIC Partners with Hospital to Increase Access to Breast Pumps

WIC Pump Closet, a partnership between PHFE WIC and Emanate Hospital, provides free electric breast pump loans to WIC participants.

Naira Gavurmadzhyan, RDN, IBCLC, and Wendy Fung, RDN, IBCLC with the Emanate health team
Emanate Hospital Breast Pump Closet, West Covina

PHFE WIC Regional Breastfeeding Liaisons, Wendy Fung, MS, RDN, IBCLC and Naira Gavurmadzhyan, RDN, IBCLC launched PHFE WIC’s first Pump Closet in partnership with Emanate Hospital in West Covina. Throughout the pandemic, there has been an increased need for more accessible breast pumps for parents of newborns. This project increases health equity by making breastfeeding support more readily available to WIC participants as they are discharged from the hospital after giving birth.

What is the WIC Pump Closet?

This project provides WIC participants with a hospital-grade electric pump when they are discharged after having their baby. By immediately providing participants with a pump, WIC aims to protect the birthing parent’s milk supply in the time before they can get individualized breastfeeding or chestfeeding support from a lactation consultant.

What hospitals are participating?

Emanate Hospital is the debut location for the Pump Closet Project. It was selected because it is within the PHFE WIC service area and serves a high caseload of WIC-enrolled and WIC-eligible patients. It has five Symphony pumps at this time and WIC staff will work to keep the closet stocked.

How can I get a WIC Pump Closet at my hospital?

Please contact Wendy Fung (WenF@www.phfewic.org) and Naira Gavurmadzhyan (NairaG@www.phfewic.org) to add a WIC Pump Closet to your hospital. They look forward to expanding this project to more hospitals in the Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.

What kind of breastfeeding help does WIC offer?

WIC provides breastfeeding and chestfeeding education, free lactation consultations, monthly virtual support groups, and an infant feeding helpline. All WIC services, including breastfeeding and chestfeeding assistance, are free to anyone who is signed up for the WIC program.

Can I get a free breast pump from WIC?

WIC loans medical-grade electric breast pumps to WIC parents who are breastfeeding and chestfeeding. To request a free electric pump, send a text to 91997 or contact your WIC office directly.


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