Month: June 2026

How to Return Your WIC Breast Pump

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WIC families who borrowed an electric breast pump and no longer need it can return it at their nearest WIC office. Text “RETURN PUMP” to 91997 and we will contact you with instructions. If you are still using the breast pump, please hold on to it.

Need a breast pump? Families currently enrolled in WIC may be eligible for a free manual or electric breast pump to help reach their feeding goals. Learn how you can get a breast pump from WIC here.

Need to renew your WIC account? Text APPT with your preferred date and time to 91997 to schedule an appointment.

WIC Office Drop-Off Hours

Electric breast pumps can be dropped off at your local WIC office during the days and times listed below.

Mon – Thurs: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Mon – Fri: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Find your nearest WIC office

Recall: Nara Infant Formula

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Nara Organics of New York, NY has voluntarily recalled all of its Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula products due to the risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that causes symptoms such as constipation, muscle weakness, poor feeding, and loss of head and neck control.

Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula is not a WIC-approved infant formula and is not provided through the California WIC program. No WIC-approved formulas are affected by this recall.

The formula was distributed nationally across Target retail stores, and online at Target and Nara between July 2025 and June 2026.

  • Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula, 700g, with UPC 860013251901
  • Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula, 400g, with UPC: 860013251918

Families using Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula are urged to stop use immediately. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if your baby has trouble feeding,

Additional Information:

Fun Summer Ideas for Families

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Summer is the perfect time for families to explore, learn, and make memories together. However, keeping children entertained during school break can be expensive. Families that participate in WIC or CalFresh may be eligible for free or discounted admission on activites throughout the summer.

WIC will receive Aquarium of the Pacific coupons in Fall 2026.

Museums for All

Museums for All is a nationwide program that makes museums affordable for families with EBT benefits. Over 1,600 participating museums, zoos, aquariums, and more. Find a participating museum and present your EBT card and a valid ID.

Find a Participating Museum Near You

Discover & Go – Library Pass Program

Discover & Go is a program provided by local libraries that offer free and low cost passes for library cardholders to museums, science centers, zoos, theaters, and other cultural destinations. Select your county below to find out which passes are available to you.

Tips for Visiting

  • Call ahead or check online first for ticket and visitation information.
  • Take advantage of library pass programs that offer free passes to museums, state parks, and other local destinations.
  • Visit farmers’ markets and community events for that offer free admission, family activites, and more.

Free or Low Cost Summer Activites for the Family this Summer

Alf Museum of Paleontology - Located in Claremont
Free admission for WIC and EBT participants and 3 additional family members. Participant must be present with benefits card and a photo ID. 

California Science Center - Located in Exposition Park
Core exhibit galleries are free and do not require a reservation. Special exhibits or the IMAX Theater are available at an extra cost. 

Cayton Children's Museum - Located in Santa Monica
Free for children under age 1. Discounted PLAY4ALL memberships (year-long) at $27.50 for families receiving Medi-Cal, WIC, CalWORKs, or CalFresh.

The Getty Center - Located in Los Angeles
Admission is free, and requires a timed-entry reservation. Parking fees may apply. 

The Huntington - Located in San Marino
Free for children under 4. Museums for All: $5 admission for EBT cardholders.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum - Located in Los Angeles (Closes July 7 for a 2-year renovation)
Free admission for LA County Residents, Monday to Friday from 3PM - 5PM, PreK - 12 teachers and school staff, United States military, EBT cardholders, and children 2 and under. Valid ID required. Parking fees may apply.  

Museum of Neon Art - Located in Glendale
Free for children 12 and under and veterans with ID. Discounted admission at $3 for EBT cardholders. 

Natural History Museum - Located in Exposition Park
Free admission for LA County Residents, Monday to Friday from 3PM - 5PM, PreK - 12 teachers and school staff, United States military, EBT cardholders, and children 2 and under. Valid ID required. Parking fees may apply.  

Santa Monica History Museum - Located in Santa Monica
Free for children under 17, students, seniors, military, and EBT cardholders. General admission is $5. 

Skirball Cultural Center - Located in Los Angeles
Free to all on Thursdays and for children under 2. Reservations are recommended due to limited visitor capacity. 

Bowers Museum - Located in Santa Ana
Free for children under 12. Adult admission is $18.

Discovery Cube - Located in Santa Ana
Free for Santa Ana residents with a government-issued photo ID on the first Tuesday of every month.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center - Located in Anaheim
Free for children 3 and under. Participating in Museums for All, EBT participants can gain free or reduced admission. 

Kimberly Crest House & Gardens - Located in Redlands
Museums for all: Freeadmission for up to 4 guests to EBT cardholders with a valid ID

San Bernardino County Museum - Located in Redlands 
Free for children 5 years and under. Participating in Museum for All: $1 admission for EBT card holders with a valid ID (maximum 9 in party). 

What’s Happening With WIC Funding?

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House Passes Bill that Cuts WIC Funding

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the House passed its proposed fiscal year 2027 agriculture funding bill which cuts $200 million from our current WIC budget. With food prices still on the rise, these cuts could limit access to WIC and increases the risk of turning families away from the program for the first time in 30 years. Additionally, the bill does not extend current flexible service options which are currently available by a short-term waiver set to expire in September 2026. The senate is expected to begin work on its own agriculture funding bill soon.

Shopping for WIC foods and finding WIC stores

The proposed budget would:

  • Provide $8 billion for WIC, which is $200 million less than current funding

  • Cut the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit by 10%

  • Not extend current flexible service options that help families access WIC

In November 2025, Congress passed a bill that fully funded the WIC program through September 30, 2026, as part of a bill passed that month, ensuring that eligible families can continue to rely on the program for support. As the next fiscal year approaches, maintaining consistent funding will be essential to ensure WIC continues to serve every eligible family in need.

Contact your members members of congress to urge them to fully fund WIC

You can help encourage Congress to fully fund the WIC Program and protect the current flexible service options WIC provides by:

  • Spending the full amount of benefits each month

  • Sending a letter to Congress using the using the button below.
Send a letter to Congress

WIC Foods Are Now Even Better!

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California WIC now offers more food choices that support healthy diets during pregnancy and early childhood. These options offer more variety and flexibility to meet the needs of different cultures and family preferences.

See the New WIC Food Packages

What’s New?

  • More whole-grain foods, like corn masa flour, pita bread, whole wheat bagels, and whole wheat English muffins
  • Cash value option for fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned) instead of jarred baby foods
  • More fruits and vegetables instead of juice
  • Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines) for all families
  • More yogurt flavors to choose from, like peach, strawberry-banana, and mango
  • Fresh herbs can be bought using the cash value benefit for fruits and vegetables
  • More package size options when shopping for WIC-eligible foods
New! Shopping Guide

For more details, visit myfamily.wic.ca.gov.

Swap your milk, eggs, or infant fruits and vegetables for certain foods

California WIC families can swap some WIC foods for other approved options that better fit their needs. Want to make one of the swaps below? Tell your WIC counselor at your next appointment or text 91997.

Swap some milk for:

  • tofu,
  • plant-based milk,
  • or extra yogurt

Swap eggs for:

  • tofu,
  • peanut butter,
  • or dry or canned beans

Swap half or all of your infant fruits and vegetables for:

  • fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
See Available Food Swaps

Update the CA WIC App to see the WIC food changes

The CA WIC app will need to be updated in order to see the new WIC food changes.

Check your WIC app to see when you can start shopping for your new foods. Use the food scanner to find WIC-approved items.

Food Package Change Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are WIC foods changing?

WIC is updating foods to give families more choices, healthier options, and foods that fit different cultures and diets. The California WIC App and Shopping Guide will show the new food options when they are available.

Do these changes affect all WIC families?

Yes! All California WIC families will see the updated foodsl. You may see new foods, new sizes, and updated amounts for some food items. Check your WIC app to see when you can start shopping for the new foods.

How will I know which foods I can buy?

The California WIC App will show your updated food balance. Use the food scan feature in the app to check if a food is WIC-approved and available on your food benefits. The California WIC Shopping Guide lists all the new foods and sizes available.

Will I lose any of my current foods?

Families will still receive healthy foods each month. Some WIC-approved foods may change, such as whole-grains and rice infant cereal, but families will also receive new foods, more choices, and flexibility with other foods.

WIC no longer allows rice cereal due to concerns about heavy metal exposure. You will see other healthy infant cereal options instead, such as oatmeal, multigrain, barley, and whole wheat.

Where did my juice benefits go?

With the new WIC food options, families get an extra $3 per person to spend on fruits and vegetables. These foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help keep your heart healthy, lower blood sugar, and help with digestion.

Families have the option to swap the extra $3 for 64oz of juice per individual in the family receiving WIC foods. PHFE WIC participants can request to swap the $3 for juice on their WIC benefits by texting 91997.

What should I do if I have trouble buying the new WIC foods at the store?

If the stores have not updated their systems with the new WIC foods, speak with the manager first. If the issue is not fixed, contact the California WIC program at (800) 852-5770 or wic@cdph.ca.gov.

Shopping for WIC foods and finding WIC stores

Shop for Your WIC Foods

Use these tools to find WIC-authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets near you.

Find a WIC Grocer
Find a Farmers’ Market