Author: Geneva

As public health professionals serving a diverse population of pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, new parents, and their families, we at WIC acknowledge that racism is a public health crisis that directly affects our work and the families we serve. Systemic racism affects many communities, especially Black mothers and infants, whose chances of surviving pregnancy and birth are disproportionately lower than their white counterparts. This has invigorated our commitment to dismantling systemic racism and fostering an anti-racist and socially just environment.

Actions We Are Taking

For our participants:

• CinnaMoms was created in 2015 as a special space to promote and support breastfeeding while celebrating the traditions and culture of the Black families at PHFE WIC. CinnaMoms hosts monthly virtual support circles to facilitate culturally relevant and meaningful connections and discussions about maternal and postpartum health, support systems, and beliefs.

• Black Breastfeeding Week (BBW) was August 25-31st. The 2020 celebration took place virtually with the theme of “Revive, Restore, and Reclaim.”
  • For more information about CinnaMoms, visit www.cinnamoms.org/
  • Instagram: @CinnaMoms_

• PHFE WIC has partnered with Los Angeles County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Doulas and Frontline Doulas to connect black women with free doula services.
  • To learn more about these projects and doulas visit:
    • www.frontlinedoulas.com/hotlineintake
    • www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/dph_doulas

For our staff:

• Juneteeth education for all staff
  • In June, 2020, Staff independently viewed a PowerPoint presentation that included facts about Juneteeth, Black historical and current information, and links to the National African American Museum (NAAM) website.

• Dr. Melissa Franklin of First 5 LA and Ms. Wenonah Valentine held a support group/healing space for Black staff as an opportunity to process, reflect, mobilize, and recommend next steps for the agency.

• In July 2020, the Council on Racial and Equity Affairs (CORE Affairs) team was assembled at PHFE WIC to evaluate and inform next steps for racial justice within our organization.
  • This team informed a list of short, medium, and long-term goals for educational trainings, professional development, and exploring inclusivity in all avenues of the agency.
  • CORE Affairs collaborated with other WIC agencies across Southern California during Black Breastfeeding Week to address breastfeeding barriers that Black families face.

• In July, 2020 PHFE WIC held an all-staff meeting with the topic of cultural sensitivity, racism, and recognizing and preventing micro-aggressions lead by PHFE WIC Senior Health Equity Manager Dr. Toncé Jackson
  • All staff watched four video conversations on race and completed a thought-provoking worksheet to help process information and enhance learning.
  • The group explored micro-aggressions and micro-affirmations through dialogue, videos, and examples.

• In August, 2020 staff attended the virtual California WIC Association conference where Sarah Fanta, Supervising Nutritionist and member of the C.O.R.E Advisory Committee, interviewed Austin Channing Brown.
  • Austin Channing Brown is a speaker, writer, and media producer, who provided inspirational leadership on racial justice in America and is the author of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made of Whiteness.

• In November, 2020, all PHFE WIC staff attended a virtual implicit bias workshop with Dr. Bryant Marks. As part of the workshop, staff took an implicit association test to become aware of their own biases. The workshop gave actionable ways to work toward racial equity.

• PHFE WIC has ensured interview panelists were racially diverse while hiring.

• Our parent company, Heluna Health has formed a cross-agency Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workgroup to address systemic racism.

We acknowledge that our efforts cannot and will not end here as this is ongoing endeavor. Please check back periodically to learn about our most recent efforts to fight for equity and justice.

The 2020 Census is underway, and it’s your chance to shape your community’s future. Here’s what you need to know.

Census data impacts funding for things like:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Rural Rental Assistance Payments
• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
• Medicare Part B
• Children’s Health Insurance Program
• School Breakfast Program
• Unemployment Insurance
• Community Development Block Grants

Count everyone under your roof. This includes:

• Any family members or friends who are living with you now, even if it’s only for a short time
• Newborn babies and young children, even if they are not in your family
• Your roommates or any renters

You can respond online using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Visit 2020census.gov and click “Respond”
2. Complete the online form. Be sure to include everyone who lives in your household.
3. You’re done!

You can also complete the 2020 Census by phone. To begin, call 844-330-2020.

All 2020 Census responses are kept confidential and private.  It’s the law.  Your responses cannot be shared and cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way.

Free tests are now available for all L.A. County residents whether or not they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Those who are experiencing Coronavirus symptoms will be prioritized for same day or next day testing. Symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Muscle or body aches
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Sore throat
• New loss of sense or smell

You should contact your Health Care Provider to get a test at their facility.  If you do not have this care, testing is available across the county; there are drive-up and walk-up testing sites.  Testing is available by appointment only.  Here are the steps for getting a test appointment:

• Click here to find a testing site near you (Los Angeles County & Orange County)
• Answer a series of questions. The answers determine if you are eligible for an appointment.
• If you are eligible, you will receive an appointment confirmation number by email.
• Bring the confirmation number and some type of personal identification to your appointment.
• People with no access to the Internet can dial 2-1-1 for help making an appointment.
• For a list of frequently asked questions, go to covid19.lacounty.gov/testing-faq/
• Watch this helpful instructional video to prepare you to take the test.

The turnaround time for test results may vary.  Positive test results will be notified with a phone call.  Negative test results will be notified by email, text, or phone call.

The following factors do not affect eligibility for a COVID-19 test:

• Immigration status
• Insurance status
• Age
• Underlying health issues

For more information, visit COVID19.CA.GOV.

Related News
Orange County COVID-19 Testing Information

We at PHFE WIC acknowledge the pain and suffering that anti-Black racism continues to cause.

We speak out against racism in all of its forms.

We speak out against oppression.

We speak out against the recent killings of unarmed Black people.

And we commit to working together with our communities to actively change the institutional and structural systems that have allowed racism to persist.

As Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote so poignantly:
“Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible – even if you are choking on it – until you let the sun in. Then you see it’s everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands. But we have to stay vigilant, because it is always still in the air” (Los Angeles Times, Saturday May 30, 2020)

Together we will keep shining the light.

Together we will stay vigilant.

And together we will stand in solidarity with those who pursue equity, justice, human dignity for all, and an end to racism.

The County of Los Angeles launched a portal to help connect residents to resources for food assistance and access to healthy foods during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click on this link to find free and discounted food at a local food pantry, food bank, or meal distribution site: Covid19.lacounty.gov/food/

Visit the new 211 Food Finder locator and narrow down your options to what you are specifically looking for, then click on the colored dots to get detailed information about the resource.

To learn if you qualify for assistance programs with food expenses, such as CalFresh and Pandemic EBT, click here: Covid19.lacounty.gov/get-support/

Orange County residents experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath are eligible for free testing. Visit the Orange County Health Care Agency website for a list of testing locations and other COVID-19 related information.

Diapers will be available to Santa Ana and Orange County communities by appointment only, and are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Here’s what you need to know:

• One box of diapers per child

• Schedule an appointment beginning Friday at 6 pm for the following Wednesday at www.powerofonefoundation.org/diapers

A message for New WIC Applicants:

WIC services are available to all eligible families affected by COVID-19. If your income has been affected by recent events, and you are pregnant or have a child under 5, WIC can help provide nutritious foods and more resources to keep your growing family health. Click here to see if you qualify and apply for WIC benefits.

Your family’s health is our priority. As a public health precaution to protect against the spread of the rapidly growing COVID-19 virus, all PHFE WIC offices will be offering services by phone and online only until further notice.  If you have an upcoming WIC appointment, please call or text us to help you receive your benefits remotely.

We will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow the guidelines provided by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and other reliable health organizations in order to safeguard the health and safety of our staff and clients.

A message for Current WIC Participants:

If you have NOT received your WIC card yet, we can mail it to you.

Go to www.wiconlineeducation.org and follow the instructions to have your WIC card mailed to you. 

If you have a WIC card, please check your food balance. Your benefits may have been automatically added.

In order to quickly provide food benefits to families, the California State WIC program has automatically added benefits to thousands of WIC cards. Check your food balance on the California WIC App or by calling 1-844-469-3264. 

If you do not see benefits on your WIC card, or if you need to make a change to your foods, contact us! We can add your benefits to your card over the phone or by text. 

For assistance:

Text us at 91997

Call us at 888-942-2229

Email us at PHFEWIC@WICEmail.org

Stay informed and visit the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) regularly for program updates during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

General Questions

1. What do I have to do to prevent the termination of my CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Relief, Refugee Cash Assistance or Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic?

If you have an active case with DPSS for any program, you do not have to submit a SAR-7, QR-7 or annual recertification in March, April or May 2020. You do not need to call the office as your benefits will not be discontinued. The department will notify you when the recertification is required. Your benefits will continue at the prior level unless you have a mandatory report such as income over the Income Reporting Threshold or a loss in income that would result in supplemental benefits.

2. Does this mean that I do not need to submit a SAR-7 or recertification packet?

If your SAR-7 or renewal date is due in March, April or May 2020, you do not need to submit as your benefits with continue without any interruption.

3. What happens if I did not submit my February SAR-7/QR-7?

If your Report Month was January and your SAR-7 was due in February, your case is discontinued; therefore, you must reapply for benefits. If your Report Month was February and your SAR-7 was due in March, then you are exempt from having to submit a SAR-7 in March. The Governor’s Executive Order only waived SAR-7s due in the months of March, April and May 2020.

4. What if my case is currently terminated?

CalFresh and CalWORKs cases that are terminated as a result of a SAR-7 report or recertification due in the months of March, April or May 2020 will be reopened. If you do not receive your benefits by your pickup date, contact the Customer Service Center at 1-866-613-3777, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

5. I lost my EBT card, how do I get a replacement card?

Call the Customer Service Center at 1-866-613-3777, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to request a new card.  If you are homeless, your new card can be mailed to a temporary address or you will be given an appointment to pick up your card at your nearest DPSS district office.

To register your new EBT card, please contact the EBT Customer Service line at (877) 328-9677 for assistance.

6. What if I lost income, can I report the change to increase my benefits?

Yes.  Simply call the Customer Service Center and report your loss of income and EW will re-evaluate your case.

7. What is the waiting period once my application has been submitted for me to hear back on the status of my application?

The department has up to 30 days to process your application. However, if a household is eligible to Expedited Services CalFresh benefits or CalWORKs Immediate Need, your case may be approved much sooner

Visit the Department of Public Social Services for more information.

Formula may be hard to find due to COVID-19

Many stores have low supplies of infant formula because people are over-buying or stockpiling formula. The amount of formula being produced remains the same.  There is not a manufacturing problem.

Tips for finding WIC authorized formula

• Call before you shop to ask if the store has the formula you need.
• Call your WIC office and ask for help locating a store with a supply.
• Call your doctor’s office and ask if they have any samples from the formula company.
• Call 211 to get the names of food banks in your area.
• Ask friends and family if they can order a small supply of formula online and have it sent directly to you. You cannot use WIC benefits online, but a small amount could help until you find the formula in the store.

Are formula companies sending free formula when you call the 800 number on the can?

No. This is a false rumor that has been spread online.  Enfamil has responded to the false rumor with this statement:
Contrary to rumors in some online social networks, we are not distributing free cases of formula. We are instead focused on ensuring equitable availability for every baby.
Enfamil Store Locator: https://bit.ly/33rJeAm

Why making homemade formula is dangerous

From the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Recipes for homemade formulas on the internet are not safe and do not meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
• All infant formulas sold in the U.S. meet strict rules about ingredients.
• Homemade formula mixtures may not have enough iron and vitamins. They could also have too much of certain nutrients that your baby’s kidneys cannot handle.
• Homemade formula could get contaminated with germs which could lead to infection.
• The first year of life is a key time for your baby’s body and brain to grow. Your baby could suffer long-term harm if they do not get the right blend of nutrition. Even a short period of poor nutrition can be harmful.

Do not add extra water to your baby’s formula

Do not try to make more formula by adding extra water. Always follow the formula label instructions or those given to you by your baby’s doctor. Adding extra water to formula is dangerous and can lead to very serious health problems. Your baby may not get all the nutrients in the right amounts.

There are no safe alternative milks to replace formula

It is not safe to use regular cow’s milk or other types of non-dairy milk to replace formula. None of these alternatives have the right amounts of very important nutrients including protein, iron, and vitamins. Do not use any of the following in place of formula for your baby:

• Regular cow’s milk
• Toddler milks
• Goat’s milk
• Plant-based milk substitutes such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk
• Formulas sold online that are imported from other countries

On March 4, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in California to prepare for the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that flu activity for the 2019-2020 influenza season remains high and is expected to continue spreading.

We understand that you may have concerns about the the flu and/or respiratory illnesses. Your family’s health is our priority. We want to share information with you about how we continue to operate safely.

Steps we’re taking

• We are monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and federal, state and local agencies to ensure the steps we are taking comply with the latest recommendations and guidance.
• We are communicating regularly with our employees to keep them informed and to ensure their health and safety and that of our participants.
• WIC centers have been given hand sanitizer for use by both employees and participants.
• We are taking extra precaution to wipe down surfaces in WIC centers to maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
• We are encouraging WIC employees to stay home if they are ill.
• We are encouraging participants to complete their appointments online at wiconlineeducation.org or reschedule their appointments if they are ill.

Steps you can take

• Stay informed. The CDC website is a reliable source for information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have an upcoming WIC appointment, call or text us to reschedule. You may also be eligible to complete your appointment online at wiconlineeducation.org to have your benefits loaded to your card from home.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• If you have traveled outside of the United States or had close contact with someone who recently traveled abroad and was sick, contact your health provider. Avoid public spaces until you are cleared by your medical provider.

More about COVID-19

Coronaviruses usually cause an upper respiratory tract illness like the common cold. The new strain is associated with a range of symptoms from milk fever to cough and shortness of breath, or pneumonia (lower respiratory tract illness).

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 at this time. Most infected people will recover on their own.

As COVID-19 is new, this is an evolving situation and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Learn more about COVID-19 here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Here is a quick reference guide about what you need to know about the novel (new) Coronavirus:

English

عربى (Arabic)

հայերեն (Armenian)

中文 (Chinese-Traditional)

中文 (Chinese-Simplified)

한국어 (Korean)

русский (Russian)

Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

冠狀病毒資料便覽: 敬請注意以下事項。

PHFE WIC and CinnaMoms recognizes that providing safe cultural spaces to promote equity for Black women can create healthy conversations across the life course. The CinnaMoms brand provides a platform to share and support breastfeeding, parenting, and health equity for the Black family. With the help of our partners, CinnaMoms staff were excited to partner with St. Andrews Place WIC to celebrate Black History Month 2020!

The staff did an amazing job with décor, planning and execution under the leadership of Supervisor, Alejandra and Eddie. Shout-out to staff members, Daisy and Liz for your “Diva of Black History Month” design, and kudos to the entire staff at St. Andrews Place WIC for a job well done.

Eddie and Rodasha were MC’s who set the stage for the event. Beautiful CinnaMoms tote bags were given to participants upon arrival. Families visited several community partners including Dental, Welcome Baby, Black Infant Health, HealthNet, and L.A. Care. Attendees enjoyed a fun breastfeeding game, led by Wanda. Families expressed their 2020 goals via a thought-provoking “vision board” session led by Sharen. Administrative staff, Kiran, Morgan, Valerie, Pina, and Tonce presented the awards to honorees and partners. Belen and our videographer, Jeremy, took amazing photos and audio interviews of participants and honorees. The event was catered by a community partner and the desserts were curated by St. Andrews Place WIC staff.

Awards were granted to individuals in the following categories:

CinnaMoms Advocacy Award – Glenisha Cargin

CinnaMoms Breastfeeding Achievement Award – Ashly Coleman

CinnaMoms Breastfeeding Recognition Award – Vashti Stoner

Janice Payne Peer Counselor Award – Princess Rhonda Clayton & Jessica V. Estrada

CinnaMoms Maternal Health Pioneer – Josephine Easter

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Special thanks to the planning committee members: Valerie Bradford,  Rodasha Scott, Judith Rangel, Kelly Bennett, Belen Rediet, Pina Hernandez, Veronica Ramos-Castruita, Claudia Merida-Bustillos, Ilanna J. Trayber, Wanda Kenlow, Morgan Ervin, Alejandra Flores, Sharon Anthony, and Toncé Jackson.

For more event photos visit us at www.cinnamoms.org and follow us on Instagram CinnaMoms_

With California’s March 3rd primary less than a week away, we want to provide you with some important information about the new voting system that Los Angeles County is using in its elections.  The Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP) is the new system intended to provide voters with more choices on when, where and how to vote, but it is dramatically different from the system the County has used in the past.

The VSAP system includes the following features:

In-Person Voting:

• In-person early and Election Day voting are available at Vote Centers throughout Los Angeles County – for voters who want to cast ballots in-person, the Vote Centers replace traditional precinct-site polling places.
• Many Vote Centers opened on February 22, and all will be open on February 29 through March 3^rd.  Click here for an interactive map with Vote Center locations and hours in LA County.
• Click here for an interactive map with early voting, same day voter registration, and ballot drop-off locations in LA County and Orange County.
• Voters can cast ballots at any Vote Center in the County, not just the one closest to where they live.
• Voters can use a personal computer or mobile device to get a QR (Quick Response) Code Poll Pass that will make it faster to vote at the Vote Center.

Vote Centers also offer expanded services and modernized voting systems.  The systems allow easy access for voters to cast ballots in either English, Spanish as well as other languages, and Vote Center workers can provide language assistance.  Same-day voter registration is also available at the Voter Centers.

We strongly encourage in-person voters to visit your nearest Vote Center as early as possible to avoid potential long lines.

Vote-by Mail
There are expanded options for returning vote-by-mail ballots:

• Voters can return their ballots by mail, and no postage is needed.
• Voters can return their ballots in-person to any of more than 200 vote-by-mail drop boxes.  Click here for an interactive map with the locations and hours of drop-off sites.  They can also return ballots to any Vote Center.

Have you registered to vote?

If you have not registered to vote, click here to register today: registertovote.ca.gov

If you don’t remember if you are registered to vote, click here to check your registration status: voterstatus.sos.ca.gov

You may also ask your local WIC center for a voter registration card.  If you need help filling it out and/or mailing the card, let us know and we will assist you.

CinnaMoms + PHFE WIC + HealthNet invite you

Everyone is welcome! Bring the family and join us for a celebration of black history and maternal health at St. Andrews Place WIC.

Enjoy:
Kids corner
Vision board craft
Diaper giveaway
Family photo booth
Refreshments
Awards to honor pioneers of maternal health
Community resources
A message from our Elected Officials

When:
February 25th, 2020 from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Where:
St Andrews Place WIC
1836 W. Imperial Hwy. Los Angeles, CA 90047

Please RSVP at CinnaMoms.org

Goodbye paper checks, Hello WIC card.

All PHFE WIC centers are now issuing California WIC Cards to families.  Shopping with the WIC card will be easier than using paper checks.

Flexible shopping
Get your WIC foods as you need them

Easier checkout
Shopping with your WIC Crad will be like using a debit card.

Convenient benefits
Carry all your family’s WIC food benefits on one card!

In addition to the WIC card, we will also have an app! The app allows you to scan foods to verify that they’re WIC authorized and available in your food package.

Click here for more information about the California WIC Card!

As we reflect on 2019, we are filled with gratitude for our dedicated staff, our generous partners, and for the families who trust us to serve them. We thank you for your support and look forward to reaching new milestones in 2020.

2019 Highlights:

The new WIC Card launched in 30 of our PHFE WIC centers in late 2019. Thousands of PHFE WIC participants have switched from using paper WIC vouchers to shopping with their convenient new WIC cards. The California WIC Card is easy to use and has completely transformed our participants’ experience in the WIC office and in grocery stores for the better. Paper WIC vouchers will be completely gone by mid-2020!

200,000 women, children, and their families were provided with healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support; and connected to other community resources by the dedicated staff at PHFE WIC.

Over 2 million diapers, wipes, and other hygiene products were provided to families with young children at WIC offices, thanks to partnerships with Baby 2 Baby, LA Regional Food Bank, and First 5 LA.

We invested in staff training. Our greatest asset is our frontline staff who serve families each day at WIC. All PHFE WIC staff received implicit bias training to bring awareness to racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates and address how we can improve health equity for the people we serve. Staff also received training on customer service, stress management, and domestic violence prevention.

CinnaMoms saw its largest turnout yet at the CinnaMoms Summit on July 25, 2019, where a panel of maternal health experts equipped families with information and resources addressing the alarming maternal and infant mortality rates for African American mothers and babies in our community. CinnaMoms started in 2015 as an African American breastfeeding support group at WIC, and has expanded its scope to advocate for parenting and health for the entire life course.

Little By Little gave out its one millionth book this year. The early literacy program gives books to families in several WIC offices, and we are honored to have been a part of this milestone.

We continued to fight food insecurity with the WIC + CalFresh Better Together campaign, partnered with other food justice organizations and received the 2019 Outreach Leader of the Year “Freshy” Award.

We connected WIC families to fresh produce while combating food waste through partnerships with the Clementine Food Trolley and Food Forward LA.

We celebrated fathers in a special Father’s Day event on June 14, 2019. Families enjoyed crafts, games, and an award ceremony with local government officials at El Monte Valley WIC to honor dads and remind the community that men, dads, and caretakers are welcome at WIC.

We invited the community to a WIC Open House celebrating the unveiling of the newly renamed Barack Obama WIC center in Los Angeles. Families enjoyed food, family portraits, yoga, and an award ceremony honoring breastfeeding mothers and breastfeeding support staff at WIC.

Our hugely successful Farmers Market Nutrition Program attracted thousands of families to their local farmers’ market this summer. Between May and August, PHFE WIC staff gave out $570,000 worth of fruit and vegetable vouchers to 28,500 WIC participants ($20 per family) at fourteen farmers’ markets in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The 23^rd dietetic internship class graduated this year, prepared to pass the exam to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and serve the community as WIC supervisors and nutrition experts.

We grew our breastfeeding program by adding an internship opportunity for aspiring lactation consultants. This internship will help current PHFE WIC employees earn an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) credential, in turn giving WIC participants greater access to high quality breastfeeding services.

We wish you a happy healthy new year and look forward to advancing health equity in 2020!

PHFE WIC

(888) 942-2229

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On Tuesday, August 27, 2019, the PHFE WIC Program unveiled the Obama Blvd. WIC Center, formerly known as Rodeo WIC Center. The event also celebrated Black Breastfeeding Week and Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

Representatives from Holly Mitchell, Karen Bass, and Herb Wesson’s offices spoke to the families who attended, along with Heluna Health CEO Blayne Cutler and PHFE WIC Executive Director Kiran Saluja. Local community organizations like 211 agency, USC Dental, Black Infant Health, and The Children’s Collective were also in attendance, offering onsite services to attendees.

Tonce Jackson, CinnaMoms Co-founder and Health Equity Manager at PHFE WIC, stated, “This day is a success, being from the area, it just feels good to celebrate breastfeeding month, it feels good to celebrate Black breastfeeding week.”

Read the full article at Los Angeles Sentinel: PHFE WIC Unveiled The New Obama Blvd WIC Center Honoring Motherhood, Breastfeeding Month and Black Breastfeeding Week

By the WIC Farmers’ Market Team

The hugely successful WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) wrapped up this week. The FMNP is a valuable program that benefits WIC families, local farmers and the community. Between May 15 and August 2, PHFE WIC staff gave out $570,000 worth of fruit and vegetable vouchers to 28,500 WIC participants ($20 per family) at fourteen farmers’ markets in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

WIC FMNP is an annual program established by Congress in 1992 and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture to provide locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants while promoting the awareness and use of farmers’ markets.

Summer 2019 participating farmers’ markets:

A special thanks goes to all of the farmers’ market managers and staff for their support of WIC and another successful FMNP season.

Adams & Vermont Farmers’ Market
Cerritos Farmers’ Market
Downtown Anaheim Farmers’ Market
East Los Angeles Farmers’ Market
Echo Park Farmers’ Market
Gardena Farmers’ Market
La Cienega Farmers’ Market
Monterey Park Farmers’ Market
Pico Rivera Farmers’ Market
Pomona Valley Farmers’ Market
Rosemead Farmers’ Market
Tustin Farmers’ Market
West Covina Farmers’ Market
Wilmington Farmers’ Market

Community collaborators

PHFE WIC teamed up this year with Los Angeles Department of Social Services (DPSS) to offer CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollments to eligible families onsite at select farmers’ markets.

Many families who went to the farmers’ market for WIC FMNP also had the opportunity to double their cash and CalFresh EBT through the Market Match program, which continues year round at select locations. To find a farmers’ market with Market Match, visit fmfinder.org.

WIC also is working with SEE-LA (Sustainable Economic Enterprises of LA) on their FRESH FUNDS program that matches monthly WIC fruit and vegetable checks up to $10 at the Crenshaw Farmers’ Market at the Baldwin Hills Mall. This program is funded by a generous contribution by the “sweetgreen” salad eatery chain.

What is it like to go to a farmer’s market?

A farmers’ market is an outdoor market with many vendors that have canopies set up where they sell various products such as organic fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, jams, hummus, flowers, as well as cooked food such as tacos, tamales, dumplings, popcorn and more. Some locations even have live music and pet adoptions. Local farmers sell their organic fruits and vegetables at the market and talk to customers about their farms and produce. Many will offer samples, give cooking tips and teach customers to pick produce that is ripe and ready to eat. Going to the farmers’ market can be a fun learning experience for all ages.

FMNP benefits the local economy

In addition to providing healthful foods to WIC participants, FMNP is beneficial to farmers and the local economy. This summer, WIC FMNP drew an extra 100 – 450 families to each farmers’ market on their days of operation, increasing each local farmer’s sales.

WIC will be back

The next WIC FMNP season starts summer 2020. Follow PHFE WIC on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for WIC text messaging to be the first to hear about the Farmers’ Market program and other special events.

Don’t forget!

WIC encourages families who received the $20 vouchers for fruit and vegetables to use them before they expire on November 30, 2019.

By Sharen Anthony, Morgan Ervin, Pina Hernandez, and Tonce Jackson

Los Angeles, CA. June 26, 2019. PHFE WIC and PHFE CinnaMoms, recognizing the need to address the alarming research indicating that African American mothers and babies are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related death than any other ethnic group in the U.S., held its yearly CinnaMoms Summit event on June 25, 2019.

In an effort to raise awareness of these risks and to equip our mothers and families with information and resources to overcome these tragedies, our Summit’s guest speaker, Dr. Kimberly Gregory, MD MPH., addressed the state of maternal health. She illustrated the staggering number of maternal deaths among African American women: three out of nine maternal deaths are African American women. According to Los Angeles County data, maternal mortality rates among black women (86/100,000) are over four times higher than rates for women overall (18/100,000). Additionally, infant mortality rates are more than twice as high among black women (10/1,000) compared to women overall (4/1,000). The health of a generation is at stake and needs immediate attention from all stakeholders such as health providers, community services providers and families in our communities.

In the CinnaMoms Summit, we created cultural spaces to promote empowerment and self-transformation for our African American women attending. Through the CinnaMoms Program, WIC families come together to share and advocate for breastfeeding, parenting, and health for the entire life course. We created support circles that extended beyond our WIC services to provide encouragement and a safe space to chat about historical feeding practices, perceptions of breastfeeding, the pregnancy journey, and the hospital experience, uniquely designed to support African American moms and families.

CinnaMoms hosted a panel discussion with Jadah Chatterjee, BS, RN, Aretha Jones-Adams, MS, Brandi Jordan, MSW, IBLCLC, Shamiesha Johnson, RN. Prenatal families were supported by a circle of support and affirmation led by Wenonah Valentine of iDream and Marquita Jones of Black Infant Health. The audience engaged in the discussion illustrating the need to continue creating more cultural environments to support our maternal health and infancy related deaths. Numerous agency services were present to offer support to these families. These families experienced a culturally appropriate event to feel the support, concerns and empathy. Other beneficial services were provided at the event such as enrollment in Medical, diapers, and farmers’ market checks for fruits and vegetables.

About PHFE WIC:  WIC is the USDA-funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, is the largest local agency WIC Program in the nation, serving approximately 200,000 participants each month in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Currently, over 60% of all infants born in LA County receive WIC services.

About Heluna Health:  Heluna Health is a national leader in providing program and support services to optimize population health. The agency offers a full range of program development, personnel, financial and grant management support to researchers, consortia, government agencies and nonprofits. Visit www.helunahealth.org.

If you would like more information about the topic, please contact Tonce Jackson at (626) 221-2827.

We are happy to announce that we’ve partnered with Baby2Baby and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to provide WIC families with diapers for a limited time.  Diaper brands, amounts per package, and sizes vary; and are limited to one pack per child on WIC per month, while supplies last.

Visit one of the following WIC locations.

1st Street WIC: 2798 E. 1st St. Los Angeles, 90033

8th Street WIC: 2120 W. 8th St. Los Angeles, 90057

117th Street WIC: 4455 W. 117th St. Hawthorne, 90250

Beverly WIC: 277 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles, 90022

Maple WIC: 428 E. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, 90015

Obama Blvd. WIC: 3667 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, 90023

Slauson WIC: 1967 W. Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, 90047

St. Andrews Place WIC: 1836 W. Imperial Hwy. Los Angeles, 90047

Feeding is a great time to nurture your baby.  When you feed your baby at a comfortable pace, baby can let you know, “I need a break” or “I’m full”.  Letting your baby set the pace means less chance of overfeeding, gas, stomach discomfort, and spitting up.

1. Is baby hungry?  Feed baby when you see hunger cues . . .
   • Keeps hands near mouth
   • Bends arms and legs toward body
   • Makes sucking noises
   • Puckers lips
   • Searches for nipple (roots)
2. Feed baby.  Here are 5 easy tips to feeding baby . . .
   • Always hold your baby and the bottle when feeding.
   • Hold your baby almost upright.
   • Brush the bottle nipple across baby’s upper lip. Wait for baby’s mouth to open.
   • Hold the bottle in an almost flat position. The nipple will be only partly full. This keeps the milk from pouring into baby’s mouth.
   • Let your baby pause and take breaks every few sucks. Your baby will feed for about 15–20 minutes.
3. Is baby full?  Don’t try to get your baby to finish the bottle. Watch for fullness cues . . .
   • Sucks slower or stops sucking
   • Relaxes hands and arms
   • Turns away from nipple
   • Pushes away
   • Falls asleep

In honor of Father’s Day and the increasing number of men and dads participating in the WIC program, the El Monte Valley WIC center hosted a special event on June 14, 2019, to celebrate the important role men and dads have in the well-being of their families.

The El Monte Valley WIC center hosted the honorable Congresswomen Grace Napolitano, Mayor Pro Tem for the city of El Monte, Jerry Velasco and Sarah Rizvi, staff member for Assemblywomen Blanca Rubio, who all spoke about the importance of men and dads and the WIC program’s nutrition education and support in our community.

Congresswomen Grace Napolitano, Sarah Rizvi, from Assembly women Blanca Rubio’s office and Mayor Pro Tem for the city of El Monte, Jerry Velasco, all presented certificates that acknowledged three fathers for their commitment to their families and participation with the WIC program:

• Juan Luis Banuelos
  Juan is a big part of his wife’s breastfeeding journey. He is supportive and has encouraged her to totally breastfeed their infant. He helps her around the house and attends her WIC appointments with her. When their baby was born, he would bring her to the breastfeeding clinic for the 1st month just to make sure the baby was gaining weight and breastfeeding well. The baby is now 13 months old mom is still totally breastfeeding and dad is still a big part of her journey.
• Ahsan Chohan
  Ahsan is very helpful during his WIC visits with his wife. He helps mom with the care of the baby, filling out forms and helping check the baby’s weight gain. He is also very supportive of mom and her efforts to breastfeed their baby.

• Hoa Ngo, (Tom)
  Tom has been a Nutritionist at the El Monte Valley WIC center since 5/2/2005.  He has an eight-year-old son who is the highlight of his life. He likes to spend time with his son playing basketball, hiking, throwing a football around and taking a walk in the park or his neighborhood.  According to Tom, the best part of being a dad, is teaching him something new and having him ask numerous questions.

The celebration included healthy snacks and drinks provided by WIC, face painting, arts and crafts, and book reading by a Norwood Library, Librarian. Alta Med Dental, Norwood Library, El Monte Library, Spiritt Family Centers, Read Conmigo, and the Foothill Family, joined the celebration and provided their services.

One guest speaker gave a testimonial about the WIC program and about the important role of men and fathers in children’s lives. Mr. Phu Ly, a Vietnamese migrant with Chinese descent, has been working as a WIC Nutrition Assistant at the Rosemead WIC office for the past 20 years. While working at WIC, Mr. Ly earned his Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in mathematics at the California State University, Los Angeles.

WIC is here to provide services to ensure our community’s children get a strong and healthy start in life. PHFE WIC is committed to fostering an inclusive and friendly environment for men, fathers, and all other caretakers, parents, and guardians. Research shows children and families do better when fathers and father-like figures are involved. Children exhibit better school performance, increase in self-esteem and improves social relationships. The WIC program offers father-friendly materials such as nutrition education classes, nutrition counseling, parenting classes and referrals to additional resources to support the entire the family.

Join us on:
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM 
at
The Foundation Center
11633 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, 90047

Featuring:
-The CinnaMoms experience
-Engaging panel chats
-Self-care redefined
-Family portrait sessions

Register now at www.cinnamoms.org

Thank you for promoting the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)!

This year PHFE WIC received $570,00.00 worth in FMNP vouchers to issue to 28,500 eligible WIC participants ($20 per family).

During the WIC Farmers’ Market season, help us spread the word by using these images and captions to post on your social media platforms and websites. You can confirm the days and times on: Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is here. Visit a participating FM location! 

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #WICFM19 and #PHFEWIC

Optional Captions:

• The WIC Farmer’s Market program is here! Bring your WIC folder to [NAME] Farmers’ Market on [Dayofweeks] between [WIC FM TIMEFRAME] to claim your FREE $20 for fruits and vegetables! This offer is for PHFE WIC participants only, one per family, once per summer while supplies last! Visit www.phfewic.org for more details, and a list of other participating farmers’ markets! #WICFM19 #PHFEWIC
• $20 Free fruits and vegetables for WIC Families! Bring your WIC folder and look for the friendly people wearing bright orange at the [NAME] Farmers’ Market on [Dayofweeks] from [WIC FM TIMEFRAME]. This offer is for PHFE WIC participants only, one per family, once per summer while supplies last! Visit www.phfewic.org for more details, and a list of other participating farmers’ markets! #WICFM19 #PHFEWIC
• WIC Families get $20 FREE fruits and vegetables at the [NAME] Farmers’ Market! Look for the friendly faces wearing bright orange on [Dayofweeks] from [WIC FM TIMEFRAME], and show your WIC folder to claim your free $20. This once-per-summer offer is for PHFE WIC participants only, one per family while supplies last! Visit www.phfewic.org for more details. #WICFM19 #PHFEWIC
• Hey WIC families! Bring your WIC folder to [NAME] Farmers’ Market on [Dayofweeks] from [WIC FM TIMEFRAME] to claim your free $20 for fruits and vegetables! This offer is for PHFE WIC participants only, one per family while supplies last! Visit www.phfewic.org for more details. #WICFM19 #PHFEWIC

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on Earth. Every year, unvaccinated travelers bring measles to the U.S. from other countries, putting their families and communities at risk, especially babies who are too young to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. So before you travel abroad, be sure you and all your fellow travelers over 12 months old have had your MMR vaccine.

If you have a doctor that you regularly see, talk to them about how you can protect yourself and your family from the measles.

Enter your zip code in the Vaccine Finder for a list of places where you can get vaccinated: www.vaccines.gov/getting/where

The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is just a few weeks away! WIC families are eligible to receive Famers’ Market checks (vouchers) to get $20 worth of fresh fruits, vegetables and edible herbs FREE this summer. Keep checking back for updates about when and where you can find us at a farmers’ market near you!

The Farmers’ Market program is for a limited time only! To make sure you don’t miss out on your free farmers’ market produce this summer, sign up for WIC text messages (Text your WIC ID to 91997) and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Ericka was encouraged by a friend to receive WIC during her first pregnancy and had a wonderful experience.  Ericka used the WIC education she received while her son was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Erika’s second pregnancy was overshadowed by depression; her WIC counselor Danielle, noticed Ericka was disengaged. With compassion and encouragement she assisted Ericka in finding solutions to her problems.  Ericka has come full circle with WIC by her side, every step of the way. She now helps and empowers WIC participants that she sees as a WIC staff.

Henry Avocado Corporation has initiated a recall of California-grown whole avocados because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Details regarding the recall may be found on the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm634230.htm

What a success! Wednesday, February 27, 2019 marked the Clementine Trolley’s first visit to WIC. Clementine is a beautiful mobile food pantry that serves Orange County through Community Action Partnership Orange County and The OC Food Bank. The trolley visited Santa Ana East WIC and was a total success! Clementine provides free food to families and served 55 families during their two hours at WIC. Families received fresh produce, diapers, canned food, frozen ground beef and turkey, organic frozen chicken, and frozen meals that were prepared by a gourmet chef using foods from the food bank. They also gave away brand new books. WIC participants received all of this on top of their WIC benefits!

Don’t miss out the next time Clementine comes to WIC!

Follow @phfewic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

FAMILIA is a text messaging program that offers tips on family planning, improving nutrition and other health topics. For three months you’ll receive three healthy living texts in English or Spanish. Each message links to the FAMILIA website where you can find more information, apps, videos, and blogs related to the topic.

To sign up, text LAFAMILIA to 55000

Message and data rates may apply.

Mark remembers running around the WIC office with his siblings as his mother met with WIC staff. He and his siblings enjoyed choosing WIC foods at the store with his mother, not knowing about the nutritional value the food brought to the family. Fast forward 15 years later, Mark is majoring in Nutrition and decides to apply for an internship at WIC. Mark sees himself in the children at the WIC office, and sees his mother in the women that participate in the WIC program. Mark now serves the same community as a WIC Nutritionist, that his single mother, his siblings, and himself were once a part of many years ago.

At each WIC appointment during your pregnancy, we will provide you with personalized pregnancy information. These “in-person” discussions are tailored and specific for each trimester of your pregnancy. Learn about how your baby is growing, how to nourish your baby, and much more!

1^st trimester discussion includes:

• Increasing knowledge towards breastfeeding
• Barriers and common concerns about breastfeeding
• Benefits of breastfeeding

2^nd trimester discussion includes:

• When the body starts making breast milk
• How to breastfeed
• When to breastfeed

3^rd trimester discussion includes:

• Preparing for breastfeeding in the hospital
• Ways that family, friends, and doctors can support breastfeeding
• How WIC supports mothers

See you in the prenatal discussion at your next WIC appointment.

PHFE WIC is pleased to share this good news with families who receive CalFresh benefits.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) announced that the full amount of CalFresh benefits for March will be issued on March 1, 2019 to eligible households, rather than the normal staggered issuance cycle of the first through the tenth of the month. These early benefits are not to be mistaken for additional benefits, and customers are strongly urged to budget their benefits accordingly to ensure that funds are available to purchase food through the month of March.

Read the full DPSS news announcement here:  DPSS Announces Single-Day Issuance of CalFresh Benefits for March

If you or someone you know would like to apply for CalFresh benefits, go to www.GetCalFresh.org and apply in less than 10 minutes.  If approved, you’ll receive your benefits to purchase groceries in 30 days on a Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

To find the closest help site, call 1-800-906-9887, OR visit http://caleitc4me.org/get-it/.  Other options include Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers provide FREE Income Tax Preparation Assistance. Although sites are not available in every county, you can search for VITA sites on the IRS website by ZIP code, city, or county.

File tax returns for free online and get information about tax filing at TaxACT Online.

During the month of February, PHFE WIC families are invited to participate in our “Spread the Love” activities and to enter a raffle drawing.

How to enter the raffle:

• Follow @PHFEWIC on Instagram or Facebook
• Post a photo of your little one(s) or a healthy homemade spread, using the hashtag #WICSPREADSTHELOVE

Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for recipe ideas and “like” your favorite.

Try these tasty recipes that were created by our WIC staff last year.

#WICSPREADSTHELOVE

KPCC’s Health Care Reporter, Michelle Faust Raghavan featured the PHFE WIC program and stories from mothers about how breastfeeding can be challenging.

Read the full article on LAist.com: It’s 2019, Let’s Just Say Out Loud That Breastfeeding Is Hard

Press Release by MOMS Orange County

Santa Ana, Calif. (January 16, 2019) – PHFE WIC, the largest nonprofit network of WIC centers in the U.S., was honored with MOMS Orange County’s Champion for Babies & Families award at their Santa Ana offices on January 15. MOMS Orange County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving low-income pregnant women and young families for more than 26 years, launched the Champion for Babies & Families award in 2018 to honor and celebrate Orange County employers that create working environments which are exceptionally supportive of expectant employees and new families.

“We are honored to present PHFE WIC with our Champion for Babies & Families Award and commend their leadership and commitment to breastfeeding, infant nutrition and support to their employees who are new parents,” said MOMS Orange County CEO Pamela Pimentel, RN.

PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, clearly leads the service sector in best practices in supporting its expecting employees and new parents. All eight WIC centers in Orange County are breastfeeding-friendly work centers with private pumping stations, electric pumps, refrigerators and flexible work time for pumping. Their employee Perinatal Support Program for pregnant and breastfeeding employees includes early pregnancy classes and prenatal support groups. When an employee has a baby, the family has access to a breastfeeding support coach and lactation consultant as employees are encouraged to pump during work hours for baby’s first year. In 2017, 100% of employees initiated breastfeeding and 92% maintained exclusive breastfeeding for their baby’s first year of life.

“As a leader in breastfeeding support services and nutrition education for families, we are thrilled to receive the ‘Champion for Babies & Families Award,’ said Kiran Saluja, MPH, RDN PHFE WIC Executive Director. “Breastfeeding education and support are a core WIC service; not only to the families we serve, but also to our employees who support the families we serve. PHFE WIC is committed to doing whatever it takes to help our staff succeed with healthy pregnancies and exclusive breastfeeding. When our staff is supported and successful, they, in turn, become passionate breastfeeding advocates for our participants. When we take care of our staff, they take care of our participants.”

Epsilon, a division of Alliance Data, was also honored with the 2019 Champion for Babies & Families award. The global marketing company’s Costa Mesa facility takes great measures to support new families and employees who are expecting.

Santa Ana-based MOMS Orange County plans to continue the tradition of honoring employers who go above and beyond to support pregnant employees and new parents. Nominations for the 2020 Champion for Babies and Families award will be accepted beginning in July 2019. For nomination information, please send inquiries to info@momsorangecounty.org.

About MOMS Orange County
MOMS Orange County formed 26 years ago in response to a crisis in access to prenatal healthcare for low-income, at-risk women. Today, MOMS Orange County serves more than 3,200 low-income families annually, directly influencing improvements in birth outcomes, maternal health, and developmental indicators among infants within a highly disadvantaged population.

To learn more about MOMS Orange County, visit www.momsorangecounty.org.

About PHFE WIC: WIC is the USDA-funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. PHFE WIC—a program of Heluna Health is the largest local agency WIC Program in the nation, serving over 200,000 participants each month in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Currently, over two-thirds of all infants born in LA County receive WIC services. Learn more at www.phfewic.org and www.helunahealth.org.

Click on the food locator links below for assistance with finding a food bank, food pantry, and other services that provide meals and groceries near you.

Los Angeles County:  www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator

Orange County:  www.feedoc.org/get-help

Are you a federal worker who has been affected by the partial government shutdown?  Click here for a list of organizations who can help with food assistance.

Here’s what you need to know during the partial government shutdown:

• • WIC REMAINS OPEN DURING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.  WIC state agencies have enough reserve funding to remain open until the end of March. Please be assured that WIC offices will maintain normal schedule, appointments will not be cancelled, and staff will be available to assist you.
  • WIC AUTHORIZED STORES WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT WIC CHECKS. WIC authorized stores must accept and redeem WIC checks while federal funding is available.
  • WE ENCOURAGE OUR WIC PARTICIPANTS TO CONTINUE TO SHOP WITH THEIR WIC CHECKS. WIC transactions at the grocery stores will be processed normally.

WE ARE CLOSELY MONITORING THE SITUATION AND WILL SHARE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.

Read the full letter from the California Department of Public Health below.

Letter to WIC Directors
Letter to WIC Authorized Vendors

For questions, please call (888) 942-2229 or text us at 91997.

The USDA announced that full benefits will be available in February for SNAP, Child Nutrition Programs, and Supplemental Nutrition Programs like WIC.

Read the full press release at usda.gov: USDA Announces Plan to Protect SNAP Participants’ Access to SNAP in February

Recent legalization of recreational cannabis use in California has prompted many questions.  Is it safe to use while pregnant and during breastfeeding?  The California Department of Public Health, PHFE WIC, amongst others do not recommend cannabis or marijuana use for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.

To read more about Cannabis, visit our Family Resources page by clicking here.

The WIC fruits and vegetables check value has increased!  Children ages one through four years will now get $9 worth.  Another great reason to eat more healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables!

View the WIC mobile app to learn what you can buy with your WIC checks.

Stay healthy with WIC!

On October 10, 2018, the federal government published a PROPOSED public charge rule that expands the definition of ‘public charge’.  The new rule is currently NOT in effect.  To learn more about the proposed public charge rule, click here for the What You Need to Know flyer.  A Public Charge 101 resource is also available.

Facts for families:

• A new PROPOSED public charge rule was published by the federal government on October 10, 2018 that expands the definition of ‘public charge’. The new rule is currently NOT in effect. A 60-day comment period is open until December 10, 2018, which allows everyone to comment before the government finalizes this rule.
• WIC is NOT included in the proposed new rule. This means that the proposed rule does NOT include WIC in the expanded public charge test.
• Some new public benefits that could be included as part of the public charge test include most Medi-Cal (Medicaid) programs, CalFresh (SNAP), and housing subsidies, among others.
• The proposed rule is NOT retroactive. That means the only benefits that will be considered are those that you receive AFTER the rule goes into effect.
• The proposed rule states that benefits received by U.S. citizen children will NOT directly affect their parent’s public charge determination.  Please seek legal advice if you have questions, as each case is different.
• Not all immigrants are affected by the proposed public charge rule change.  Some groups that are exempt from the public charge test include green card holders applying for citizenship, refugees, asylees, survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or other serious crimes, and several other groups.
• Every immigration case is unique and families should talk to legal experts.

Please seek legal advice for your family, as each case is unique. Legal resources for Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County residents are available HERE.

A 60-day comment period is open until December 10, 2018, which allows everyone to comment before the government finalizes this rule. The federal government is specifically asking the public for comment on this proposed rule, and we encourage everyone to do so HERE.

For more information on the proposed rule and instructions for sending comments, visit:
www.ProtectingImmigrantFamilies.org
www.frac.org/PublicCharge
www.nwica.org/Immigration-Resources

CalFresh is a monthly benefit that assists with adding food dollars to your budget and spending less money out of pocket.

If you find it hard to afford healthy and nutritious foods for you and your family, the CalFresh Program may be able to help you.

Apply in less than 10 minutes to see if you qualify at GetCalFresh.org!

Shop at your local Farmers’ Market (FM) today with your WIC Farmers’ Market (FM) checks.  Remember, FM checks expire November 30, 2018.

Click here to search for a list of WIC-authorized Farmers’ Markets near you.

Here are some things to remember when shopping with your WIC FM checks.

What you CAN buy with your FM checks:
Fruits
Vegetables
Cut edible herbs

(Organic is allowed)

What you CANNOT buy with your FM checks:
Honey
Eggs
Nuts
Flowers
Baked Goods
Dried Fruits
Plants
Meat / Fish

You can also view this information, by clicking on the Farmers’ Market app here.

Did you know Market Match doubles your money for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for families receiving WIC, CalFresh, and SSI?  Click here to view how it works.

Take advantage of Market Match at participating FM for your upcoming holiday meals!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6!

Click here to register to vote online.

Don’t remember if you are registered to vote?  Check your voter registration status here.

You can also ask your local WIC center for a voter registration card.  If you need help filling it out and/or mailing the card, let us know and we will assist you.

The deadline to register online is Monday, October 22.

To register by mail, the form must be postmarked by Monday, October 22.

Register now so that your vote counts!

By Karen Dela Cruz

The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) wrapped up this week! FMNP is a valuable program that benefits WIC families, local farmers, and the community. Between June 14 and August 20, PHFE WIC gave out $570,000 worth of fruit and vegetable vouchers to 28,500 WIC participants ($20 per family) at sixteen farmers’ markets in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

WIC FMNP is an annual program established by Congress in 1992 and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture to provide locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants while promoting the awareness and use of farmers’ markets.

             

Summer 2018 participating farmers’ markets:

Special thanks to all of the farmers’ market managers and staff for their support of WIC and accommodation to make this a successful FMNP season.

Adams & Vermont Farmers’ Market
Alhambra Farmers’ Market
Crenshaw Farmers’ Market
Cerritos Farmers’ Market
Downtown Anaheim Farmers’ Market
Downtown Santa Ana Farmers’ Market
East Hollywood Farmers’ Market
East Los Angeles Farmers’ Market
Echo Park Farmers’ Market
Gardena Farmers’ Market
Kaiser Harbor City Farmers’ Market
La Cienega Farmers’ Market
Placentia Farmers’ Market
Pomona Valley Farmers’ Market
Rosemead Farmers’ Market
West Covina Farmers’ Market

Community collaborators

PHFE WIC teamed up this year with Los Angeles Department of Social Services (DPSS) and Orange County Department of Social Services to offer CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollments to eligible families onsite at select farmers’ markets. Champions for Change also joined WIC at several farmers’ markets to spread healthy messages to families.

Many families who went to the farmers’ market for WIC FMNP also had the opportunity to double their cash, CalFresh EBT, or WIC fruit and vegetable voucher up to $20 through the Market Match program, which continues year round at select locations. To find a farmers’ market with Market Match, visit fmfinder.org.

What is it like to go to a farmer’s market?

A farmers’ market is an outdoor market with many vendors that have canopies set up where they sell various products such as organic fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, jams, hummus, flowers, as well as cooked food such as tacos, tamales, dumplings, popcorn, and more. Some locations even have live music and pet adoptions. Local farmers sell their organic fruits and vegetables at the market, and talk to customers about their farms and produce. Many will offer samples, give cooking tips, and teach customers to pick produce that is ripe and ready to eat. Going to the farmers’ market can be a fun learning experience for all ages.

         

FMNP benefits the local economy

In addition to providing healthful foods to WIC participants, FMNP is beneficial to farmers and the local economy. This summer, WIC FMNP drew an extra 100 – 450 families to each farmers’ market on their days of operation, increasing each local farmer’s sales.

WIC will be back

The next WIC FMNP season starts summer 2019. Follow PHFE WIC on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for WIC text messaging to be the first to hear about the Farmers’ Market program and other special events.

Don’t forget!

WIC encourages families who received the $20 vouchers for fruit and vegetables to use them before they expire on November 30, 2018.

Visit Cinnamoms.org to RSVP or text “Cinna” to 91997.

Click here to view the WIC Shopping Guide.

You can also get a copy from your local WIC center.

Breastfeeding: The Foundation of Life

The PHFE WIC program is committed to promoting breastfeeding and support our participants’ breastfeeding goals. This August 2018, PHFE WIC joins the World Breastfeeding Week campaign to inform people about how breastfeeding affects nutrition, food security and poverty reduction. Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers.

Here are some of the activities you can look forward to at PHFE WIC offices all August long. Activities may vary by location.

Diaper bag raffle! All exclusively breastfeeding participants are welcome to enter a raffle for a diaper bag filled with onesies, bibs, books, and more!

Certificates for breastfeeding moms with your baby’s foot or hand print.

Certificates for dads of breastfeeding babies and for families with breastfeeding toddlers.

Fun photo opportunities for breastfeeding families. Post your photo to social media using the hashtag #WBW2018!

Coloring sheets for children.

“Spin the wheel” game. All children are welcome to spin the wheel and win a small prize!

August Breastfeeding Support Groups

Have you been affected by a wildfire?

If you’ve been affected, evacuated or relocated due to the recent California wildfires, please contact our WIC office. We can help issue your monthly WIC benefits and connect you with more resources during this difficult time.

Call WIC: 888-942-2229 for assistance.

By Jorge Bazan Brito, RDN; and Mark Jones II, RDN

In honor of father’s day and the increasing number of men and fathers participating in the WIC program, two PHFE WIC offices (117^th St. WIC and Washington WIC) hosted special events on June 27 and 29, 2018 celebrating the important role of fathers.

Washington WIC center hosted Congressman Jimmy Gomez, who spoke about the importance of the WIC program’s nutrition education and support in our community.

Congressman Gomez presented a congressional certificate that acknowledged five fathers for their commitment to their families and participation with the WIC program:

• Alex, a loving stay at home dad, is not afraid of rocking matching nail polish with his daughter.
• Julian, a brand new dad, has been highly involved at each appointment and acting as primary support and caregiver to his wife and newborn.
• Musie has been part of the WIC family since 2012 and has not missed a single appointment. He helps translate and interpret information at appointments for his wife.
• Eduardo, whose parents participated in the program when he was a child and now is part of the program for his daughter, walks into the WIC center prepared with parenting and nutrition questions.
• Victor, a phenomenal husband and father of four (and one on the way), takes an active role in parenting, school meetings, grocery shopping, and cooking.

117^th  St. WIC center hosted Robert Pullen-Miles, District Director for Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, who spoke about the importance of Fatherhood and the WIC program’s contribution to fathers in need.

Robert Pullen-Miles presented a certificate that acknowledged a grandfather for his commitment and dedication to his family and participation on the WIC Program for over fifteen years.

• Michael, a grandfather who has served as the caregiver to his grandchildren, has participated on the WIC program for over 15 years.

The celebration included healthy snacks and drinks provided by WIC, carnival games, a beach ball activity, and arts and crafts. Eisner Dental, Los Angeles County DPSS (Cal Fresh), LIFT, Project Fatherhood, Life Coaching and Fatherhood Principles, Families Uniting Families, D.A.D. Project, and 1736 Family Crisis Center joined the celebration and provided their services.

Three guest speakers gave testimonials about the WIC program and about the important role of men and fathers in children’s lives. Lieutenant Robbie Williams received WIC as a youth and spoke about the importance of the WIC program to his family and so many other families in need. Mark Jones II spoke about his early experience on WIC as a child. Mark is now the supervisor at 117^th St. WIC. Andy Linares’s parents participated in the WIC program when he was a child, and he now is a graduate from CSUN with a double major in Consumer Affairs and Central American Studies. Carlos Tejeda, a Professor at CSULA, received the support of WIC during his PhD studies. Daniel Polanco, a single dad of a 9 year old daughter and co-executive director of the D.A.D. Project, spoke about how the WIC program provides additional support for young fathers.

WIC is here to provide services to ensure our community’s children get a strong and healthy start in life. PHFE WIC is committed to fostering an inclusive and friendly environment for men, fathers, and all other caretakers, parents, and guardians. Research shows children and families do better when fathers and father-like figures are involved. Children exhibit better school performance, increase in self-esteem and improves social relationships. The WIC program offers father-friendly materials such as nutrition education classes, nutrition counseling, parenting courses, and referrals to additional resources to support the entire the family.

In Partnership with Univision:
When having a ‘bundle of joy’ does not feel so joyful after all:
recognizing perinatal and postpartum depression

This summer, we’re partnering with Univision Contigo to promote “Una Vida Mas Saludable,” sharing ideas and tips for living a healthier life. In this article, we focus on the mental health of new mothers and the resources available to help them overcome perinatal depression.

This article was originally published on Univision.com: leer en español >

By Dr. Blayne Cutler, President and CEO, Heluna Health

The experiences of becoming pregnant and having a child can often come with many surprises. A variety of new questions begin to run through the mind of a mom-to-be, “What will my child look like?” “Will my child be healthy?” “How do I find the best doctor?” Even with the best planning, most expecting mothers know that parenting is full of unpredictable events. But when the surprise of experiencing deep sadness or intense worry hit during a time they’ve been told should be one of pure joy and excitement, the unexpected can become overwhelming. These feelings may be more than the typical “baby blues”, which is a normal adjustment period after birth that can last for approximately one to two weeks.

Beyond the baby blues

New mothers experiencing prolonged symptoms of sadness, anxiety, intense worry, frequent crying or lethargy for more than two weeks after the birth of their baby may be experiencing postpartum depression. Perinatal (during pregnancy) and postpartum (after birth) depression can affect pregnant women and new mothers up to the first year after a child’s birth. Experiencing hopelessness, intense anger, anxiety and loss of appetite are just some of the symptoms of depression. Experiencing these symptoms can make new mothers feel very alone and sometimes prevent them from seeking the help they need. In fact, depression is one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy, affecting 10-20%* of expecting mothers and those who have recently given birth. It may also be a surprise that one in 10 new dads is affected by depression, as well.

Know the signs and speak up

When it comes to ensuring that women and families receive the care they need, empowering women to advocate for themselves at the doctor’s office is extremely important. Since many health care providers may not screen for perinatal and postpartum depression during regular visits, speaking up can save a woman’s life and the life of her baby. Knowing the signs of depression and deciding to get help are the first, and often the most important, steps.

At Heluna Health’s PHFE WIC program, the largest nonprofit network of Women, Infants and Children (WIC) centers in the U.S., we often see pregnant women and new moms between doctor’s visits, as we administer our services. Each month, PHFE WIC serves over 200,000 women and their families with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, links to family resources, and vouchers for healthy foods. WIC counselors see mothers in the days and weeks immediately after giving birth, and continue to follow up on a mother’s health for months after delivery. During regular nutrition education or breastfeeding support visits, our team members often hear about the challenges and emotional struggles that our families are facing. Staff members are trained to make referrals that can help new mothers and fathers obtain the critical support they need. Public health nutrition programs like WIC play a vital role in supporting an integrated approach to caring for new parents and their growing families.

Getting help

The good news is that perinatal and postpartum depression are treatable. Additionally, there are many tools available to help expectant parents better understand what to look out for, like this resource: 6 signs every mom and mom-to-be should know about perinatal depression. Becoming a parent can be both wonderful and challenging. If you are feeling significantly different that you thought you might feel about the experience, seek help and don’t feel ashamed…the odds are in your favor that it will get better.

If you or someone you know may be affected by perinatal or postpartum depression, please call or text this helpline, available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish:

Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
Text 503-894-9453

Dr. Blayne Cutler is a public health physician, writer and the President and CEO of Heluna Health.

Citation:
*Stewart, D.E., Robertson, E., Dennis, C-L., Grace, S.L., & Wallington, T. (2003). Postpartum depression: Literature review of risk factors and interventions.
http://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/maternal_mental_health/en/

Leer en español en Univision.com >

WHO:             Kiran Saluja, PHFE WIC Executive Director
Mark Jones ll, RD and WIC Supervisor
Carlos Tejada, Professor
Robbie Williams, LT. Hawthorne Police Department
Donald Williams III, Executive Director D.A.D Project
Robert Pullen-Miles, District Director, Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, 62nd District
Michael Wright, recognized as WIC Dad

WHAT:            Fathers Awareness Day at WIC

WHEN:            Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:         4455 W. 117th St. Hawthorne, CA 90250

WHY:              Research shows that children and families do better when fathers are involved. Children exhibit better school performance, increased self-esteem and improved relationships with peers, while parents feel less stress when they support each other and co-parent. The PHFE-WIC program is committed to creating a “male- friendly” environment by including men and fathers in all aspects of WIC participation.  All male caregivers are invited to attend nutrition education classes, included in nutrition counseling sessions, provided with referrals to local community agencies and given healthy and nutritious WIC foods in order to empower them to take an active role in the lives of their children and families. We also connect them with additional resources such as Cal Fresh, Head Start program, dental services and more.

Because of the noticeable fathers increased participation in the WIC Program, we are actively seeking ways to meet the unique needs of the fathers and father figures accessing our services.  In observance of Father’s Day month, all fathers and male caregivers of children under the age of five are welcomed and encouraged to enroll and bring their children to WIC appointments.

PARKING NOTE:  Parking will be available in the parking lot off of 116th Street, and street parking is available on 116th Street, 117th Street, and Grevillea Ave.

About PHFE WIC:  WIC is the USDA-funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.  PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, is the largest local agency WIC Program in the nation, serving over 200,000 participants each month in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.  Currently, over two-thirds of all infants born in LA County receive WIC services.

About Heluna Health: Heluna Health is a national leader in providing program and support services to optimize population health.  The agency offers a full range of program development, personnel, financial and grant management support to researchers, consortia, government agencies and nonprofits.  Visit www.helunahealth.org.

WHO:              Kiran Saluja, PHFE WIC Executive Director
Jorge Bazan Brito, RD and WIC Supervisor
Alex Alpharaoh, award-winning stage and film actor, writer, director, producer and spoken-word performer TBC
Jimmy Gomez, Congressman, 34^th District
WIC father to be recognized with a certificate

WHAT:            Fathers Awareness Day at WIC

WHEN:            Friday, June 29, 2018, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:         1637 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006

WHY:              Research shows that children and families do better when fathers are involved. Children exhibit better school performance, increased self-esteem and improved relationships with peers, while parents feel less stress when they support each other and co-parent. The PHFE-WIC program is committed to creating a “male- friendly” environment by including men and fathers in all aspects of WIC participation.  All male caregivers are invited to attend nutrition education classes, included in nutrition counseling sessions, provided with referrals to local community agencies and given healthy and nutritious WIC foods in order to empower them to take an active role in the lives of their children and families. We also connect them with additional resources such as Cal Fresh, Head Start program, dental services and more.

Because of the noticeable fathers increased participation in the WIC Program, we are actively seeking ways to meet the unique needs of the fathers and father figures accessing our services.  In observance of Father’s Day month, all fathers and male caregivers of children under the age of five are welcomed and encouraged to enroll and bring their children to WIC appointments.

PARKING NOTE:  Parking will be available on Berendo Street and Washington Blvd.

About PHFE WIC:  WIC is the USDA-funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.  PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, is the largest local agency WIC Program in the nation, serving over 200,000 participants each month in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.  Currently, over two-thirds of all infants born in LA County receive WIC services.

About Heluna Health: Heluna Health is a national leader in providing program and support services to optimize population health.  The agency offers a full range of program development, personnel, financial and grant management support to researchers, consortia, government agencies and nonprofits.  Visit www.helunahealth.org.

Summer 2018

Stay tuned for the latest news on how WIC families can get 20 dollars free to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Farmers’ Markets in Los Angeles and Orange County. Check back weekly for more information.