Author: Michelle

Welcome to WIC! Our WIC counselors are here to support and empower you to make healthy choices for you and your family. If you are new to the program, please watch this video.

Please prepare these required documents

Please provide the following items listed below so a WIC counselor can determine if you are eligible for WIC. If your appointment is by phone, we will text you a link to upload photos of your documents.

What are the WIC income guidelines?

WIC uses gross income to determine a household’s income. Gross income is defined as total cash received by the household before taxes. To qualify for WIC, a family’s income must be less than or equal to the limit in the table below for their family size.

Families receiving Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKS may be income-eligible for WIC.

Each foster child is counted as a family of one.

• Income based on 185% Federal Poverty Level, effective April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025
•  Unborn fetuses may be counted toward household size

What if I don’t have a document?

After we complete your enrollment, you will have 30 days to provide these documents. Tell your WIC counselor during your appointment if you cannot provide a document. WIC will generally accept a sworn statement as a last resort.

What’s next?

If you qualify for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to buy food each month. The counselor will make sure you understand your benefits, ask you about your family’s health and nutrition, provide nutrition information, and connect you to other programs that you qualify for. This might be done at the same time as your eligibility assessment or at a future appointment. Welcome to WIC!

WIC is here to support you and your goals for feeding your baby. Pregnant and breastfeeding families are invited to join breastfeeding support groups on Zoom to connect and learn with other parents. Support groups are offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Armenian.

See our upcoming breastfeeding support groups below. Click the ‘Join now’ button on the day and time of the support group to connect on Zoom. See you there!

Vietnamese - Thứ Hai, ngày 15/04 lúc 11h

WIC sẵn sàng hỗ trợ bạn và mục tiêu nuôi con bằng sữa mẹ của bạn. WIC mời các phụ nữ đang mang thai và các gia đình đang cho con bú sữa mẹ tham gia nhóm hỗ trợ nuôi con bằng sữa mẹ trên Zoom để kết nối và học hỏi với các bậc cha mẹ khác.

Nhấp vào nút 'Tham gia ngay' vào ngày và giờ của nhóm hỗ trợ để kết nối trên Zoom

Nếu bạn là người tham gia WIC, hãy nhấp vào nút bên dưới để tham gia.

Tham gia ngay

 

Nếu bạn KHÔNG phải là người tham gia WIC, hãy nhấp vào nút bên dưới để tham gia.

Tham gia ngay

Tagalog - Miyerkules, Abril 17 ng 2:00 ng hapon

Ikaw ba ay nagdadalang tao o kapapanganak lamang at nangangailangan ng tulong sa breastfeeding? Maaring lumahok sa breastfeeding support group sa pamamagitan ng Zoom.

Kung ikaw ay isang kalahok sa WIC, i-click ang button sa ibaba upang sumali.

Sumali ka na!

 

Kung HINDI ka kalahok ng WIC, i-click ang button sa ibaba para sumali.

Sumali ka na!

Armenian - Երկուշաբթի, ապրիլ 22 -ին, ժամը 2-ին

WIC-ն այստեղ է օժանդակելու ձեզ՝ երեխայի կերակրման ձեր նպատակներին։ Հղի և կրծքով կերակրող ընտանիքները հրավիրվում են Zoom-ի միջով միանալու կրծքով կերակրման աջակցության խմբակին՝ հաղորդակցվելու և սովորելու այլ ծնողների հետ։

Սեղմեք Zoom-ի 'Միացիր հիմա' կոճակը՝ աջակցության խմբակին միանալու օրը և ժամին։ Կտեսնեմ ձեզ այնտեղ!

Եթե ​​դուք WIC-ի մասնակից եք, սեղմեք ստորև նշված կոճակը միանալու համար:

Միացիր հիմա

 

Եթե ​​դուք WIC մասնակից չեք, սեղմեք ներքևի կոճակը՝ միանալու համար:

Միացիր հիմա

Chinese - 星期四, 04月24日, 下午2点

WIC 在这里为您和您的宝宝提供母乳喂养的支持。我们邀请怀孕和母乳喂养的家庭加入 Zoom 上的母乳喂养支持小组，与其他家长一起讨论和学习关于母乳喂养的要点。

在小组活动当天只需点击'立即加入Join now' 键即可在Zoom上连接。到时候见！

如果您是 WIC 参与者，请单击下面的按钮加入。

现在就加入

 

如果您不是 WIC 参与者，请单击下面的按钮加入。

现在就加入

English - Monday, April 29 @ 2 PM

Currently pregnant or just had a baby and looking for breastfeeding support? Join WIC's Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group on Zoom!

Click the 'Join now' button below on the day and time of the support group to connect on Zoom. See you there!

If you are a WIC participant, click the button below to join.

Join Now

 

If you are NOT a WIC participant, click the button below to join.

Join Now

Spanish - martes 30 de abril a las 2 PM

WIC está aquí para apoyarla a usted y sus metas para alimentar a su bebé. Familias esperando un bebé o amamantando son invitadas a unirse a los grupos de apoyo a la lactancia en Zoom para conectarse y aprender con otros padres.

Haga clic en el botón '¡Únase ahora!' el día y la hora del grupo de apoyo que quiera para conectarse en Zoom.

Si es participante de WIC, haga clic en el botón a continuación para unirse.

¡Únase ahora!

 

Si NO es participante de WIC, haga clic en el botón a continuación para unirse.

¡Únase ahora!

Starting April 1, 2024, the income guidelines for California WIC are changing. As a result, more families will qualify for WIC and can receive healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and more.

To qualify for WIC, families must earn no more than the income limits listed below and be in a category we serve. Families and individuals may be eligible if you:

• Have a child under the age of five
• Are pregnant
• Are breastfeeding a baby under the age of one
• Had a baby within the last six months
• Experienced a pregnancy loss/termination within the last six months

Not enrolled in WIC? Apply now! Families who previously did not qualify for WIC are encouraged to reapply again if they are within the new income limits.

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

Many working families qualify for WIC. We offer weekend appointments by phone a few times per month to accommodate WIC families’ busy schedules.

Need to schedule a weekend WIC appointment? Text the keyword for the day you would like to schedule an appointment to 91997. A WIC counselor will call you for your phone appointment between 8:30 am – 1:00 pm on your appointment day.

Weekend Appointments Available This Month

Example: If you would like to be called on April 13, text APPT13 to 91997.

Questions? Text 91997!

Your newborn will feed at least 8-12 times a day based on their tummy size. Follow your baby’s hunger cues to know when baby is hungry. Frequent feedings early on are exactly what your baby and your milk supply needs.

Day 1: Your baby’s stomach holds 5-7 ml (1 teaspoon) at a time. This is the size of a cherry. You will produce about 30 ml (1 oz) of early milk/colostrum in the first 24 hours.

Day 3: Your baby’s stomach holds about 22-27 ml at a time. This is about the size of a ping pong ball or a walnut.

One Week: Your baby’s stomach can hold 45-60 ml (1 ½-2 oz) at a feeding and is the size of an apricot.

One month: Your baby will now be taking between 80-150 ml (3-5 oz) per feeding. The baby’s stomach is now about the size of a large chicken egg.

At one month most parents will be producing nearly as much milk as their baby will ever need. Because the rate of growth slows as babies get older they continue to need about the same amount of breastmilk per day from one month to six months of age.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024! WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that provides health and nutrition education, nutritious foods, and quality breastfeeding support. With resilience and compassion, WIC continues to play a crucial role in addressing the nutritional needs of the communities we serve.

WIC Throughout the Years

In 1974, the first WIC clinic opened in Pineville, Kentucky, following a two-year pilot program by Dr. David Paige. The program’s success grew, and within one year, 45 states established a WIC program. Today, the program serves 6.7 million participants across 89 U.S. States, Tribes, and Territories.

Our agency, PHFE WIC, is the largest in the nation and currently serves over 180,000 parents and children annually. Families can connect to their WIC counselors and their appointments by phone, video, in person, and online. We are committed to offering our community the best customer service, empathy, and support. Families in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties can apply for WIC online or text ‘APPLY’ to 91997 to get started.

Thank You for Connecting Families to WIC

The future of the WIC program continues to grow with increased funding and accessibility. With our staff and community partners who share our commitment to improving the health and well-being of parents and children in our communities, WIC is as successful as it is today.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of WIC by sharing the resources below.

WIC’s 50th Anniversary Toolkit

PHFE WIC participants can receive a coupon for discounted tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA while supplies last. Text 91997 to schedule a pick-up for your coupon.

What you need to know about the coupon:

• Each coupon is good for up to 4 adult, child, and senior admissions for only $5 each OR one $40 Family Access membership. Family Access memberships are good for one year and include up to two adults and any children living in your household.
  
  
• The original coupon must be presented at the Aquarium ticket window. Mobile versions will not be accepted.
  
  
• Coupons cannot be applied to prior ticket or membership purchases.
  
  
• No cash value. Not for resale and non-transferable. Not valid for school group admissions.
  
  
• They must be redeemed on or before May 24, 2024.
  
  
• Reserve your visit time at pacific.to/reservations.

How can I get an aquarium coupon?

Families who are currently enrolled in the PHFE WIC Program are eligible to receive an aquarium coupon. Text 91997 to schedule a pick-up at any of our PHFE WIC offices. Coupons are limited to one per family.

If you are enrolled in a different WIC agency, contact your local WIC office.

Not enrolled in WIC yet? Apply today!

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

WIC offers appointments by phone, video, in-person, and online. Choose the appointment method that works best for you to connect with your WIC counselor.

Sign up for WIC today

If you are pregnant or have a child under age 5, please apply for WIC online. We will contact you to confirm your eligibility and complete your enrollment. In-person enrollments can be scheduled at a WIC office near you, and you will receive your food benefits the same day if you qualify. Enrollments can also be completed entirely by phone or video. You will receive your WIC benefits by mail within a few days if you qualify.

Connect with other parents through our group classes on Zoom

Two 30-minute group classes are available each weekday. Check out the group class schedule to find the class time that works best for you and join from home or on the go. Whether you have a class appointment or not, we would love to see you in class!

Attend appointments at home or at a WIC office near you

Many WIC appointments can be completed by phone, in-person, or online. Throughout your pregnancy and your baby’s first year, you will have appointments with a WIC counselor every 1-3 months. After your baby turns 1, we will reassess their eligibility every year. If your family continues to qualify for WIC, you will have a minimum of four WIC appointments per year. Some appointments will be with a WIC counselor, and some will be classes.

Appointments with WIC counselors are by video, phone, or in-person. Class appointments are online or on Zoom. Let your WIC counselor know at your next contact if you have a preferred appointment method!

If you missed your appointment or need to reschedule, text 91997.

Read more about WIC appointment types

Check your WIC Benefits on the WIC App

Your WIC benefits may have already been added to your card this month. Check your WIC food balance on the WIC app. Remember to shop for ALL of your foods before your benefit end date!

If you do not see benefits on your WIC food balance, or if you need to make a change, text 91997.

Other Resources

• The California WIC Card
• Shopping for WIC Foods
• Breastfeeding Support

Once per year, you will have a recertification appointment to renew your child’s WIC eligibility. If your appointment is in person at a WIC office, please bring your child(ren) with you and their most recent vaccination history. If you cannot bring your child, please bring their recent medical records with height, weight, and anemia test results.

During your appointment, we will:

• Confirm your family income or child’s Medi-Cal status
• Talk about your child’s growth and nutrition
• Connect you with other community resources
• Load more food benefits onto your WIC card

WIC counselors are here to educate and empower you to build a healthy future for your family. We encourage you to ask questions and bring up any challenges you are facing. We will do our best to help or connect you with someone who can.

If you need to replace your WIC card, let your WIC counselor know. We are happy to replace it.

Please prepare these documents for your appointment

To reassess your eligibility, please provide the following items listed below. If your appointment is by phone, we will text you a link to upload photos of your documents.

What if I don’t have a document?

After we complete your enrollment, you will have 30 days to provide any missing proof of income or address. Tell your WIC counselor during your appointment if you cannot provide a document. WIC will generally accept a sworn statement as a last resort.

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition, a producer of nutrition products, has voluntarily recalled six batches of Nutramigen Powder Formula due to possible contamination of bacteria. The select batches of Nutramigen Powder 12.6 and 19.8oz cans were manufactured in June 2023 and were distributed through retail stores nationwide.

WIC families, who have purchased Nutramigen Powder 12.6oz or 19.8oz containers should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number is affected. The products have a UPC of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025”. The following batch codes are:

• ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans);
• ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans);
• ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans);
• ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans);
• ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans); and
• ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans).

Product Images

Families are asked to dispose formula affected by the recall. If you have any questions, please contact your pediatrician. For a refund, contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition at 866-534-9986 or email consumer.relations@rb.com

Full details regarding the FDA recall can be found here.

Please note that no illnesses have been reported, and no other Nutramigen Powder Formula batches or other Reckitt/MJN products are affected.

For further questions or concerns, please text us at 91997 to speak with a WIC counselor.

WIC families who borrowed an electric breast pump and no longer need it can return it at their nearest WIC office or at a WIC store listed below. 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

WIC Store Drop-Off Locations and Hours

Can’t make it to a WIC office? Drop off your electric pump at a nearby WIC store. See a list of participating WIC stores and their hours below.

The California WIC App will be unavailable during required maintenance on the days and times listed below. Grocery shopping will NOT be affected. To check your current WIC benefits during those times, please call 1-844-469-3264.

Maintenance Schedule:

• Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

• Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

• Tuesday, October 10, starting at 9:00 p.m.

• Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 11:30 p.m. through Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 7:00 a.m.

Breast pumps and resources are available at no cost to eligible breastfeeding parents enrolled in WIC who are returning to work or school.

Not already receiving WIC services? Apply today!

What types of breast pumps does WIC offer?

WIC offers a variety of different brands and pump types. A WIC counselor can assess your needs to find the pump that is best for your situation and teach you how to use your pump. Text 91997 to schedule an appointment.

Medela Harmony (Manual Pump)

The Medela Harmony pump is a lightweight, compact, and portable manual breast pump. For a tutorial on how to use this pump, watch this video or text 91997 for assistance.

Medela Symphony

The Medela Symphony pump is a double-breast pump designed for long-term and frequent use, used to help initiate, build, and maintain an adequate milk supply. For a tutorial on how to use this pump, watch this video or text 91997 for assistance.

Medela Lactina

The Medela Lactina pump is an electric pump designed for long-term and frequent use, used to help initiate, build, and maintain an adequate milk supply. For a tutorial on how to use this pump, watch this video or text 91997 for assistance.

Medela Pump in Style

The Medela Pump in Style pump is an electric double breast pump that is compact, lightweight, and has the technology to stimulate milk production and volume at greater speeds. For a tutorial on how to use this pump, watch this video or text 91997 for assistance.

Related Articles

How to Clean Your Breast Pump Kit
WIC Breastfeeding Support Groups
WIC Breastfeeding Resources

Providing breast milk is one of the best things you can do for your baby’s health and development. Pumping your milk is one way to provide breast milk to your baby. However, germs can grow quickly in breast milk or breast milk residue that remains on pump parts. Following these steps can keep your breast pump clean and help protect your baby from these germs. If your baby was born prematurely or has other health concerns, your baby’s healthcare providers may have more recommendations for pumping breast milk safely.

Content Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Congratulations to Wendy Fung, Breastfeeding Services Manager and Regional Breastfeeding Liaison (RBL) at PHFE WIC, who recently received the Perinatal Advisory Council: Leadership, Advocacy and Consultation’s (PAC/LAC) Mitchell Goldstein Dedication to Community Award! Each year, this award is given to a perinatal health community leader who demonstrates exceptional dedication and commitment to improving pregnancy outcomes.

Wendy has worked tirelessly to provide quality care by managing breastfeeding services at PHFE WIC and advocating for Baby Friendly hospitals. Her commitment to providing educational needs for parents and professionals helps improve the breastfeeding support families receive. With maternal and child health services and leadership team partnerships, she continually works on improving breastfeeding rates throughout the community.

Wendy is one of the founding members of the Asian Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Task Force of Los Angeles County formed in 2017. Her passion is to promote positivity with breastfeeding in Asian and Pacific Island communities within Los Angeles County by educating and supporting parents to help minimize breastfeeding obstacles while overcoming stigma and bias.

Congratulations to Wendy for her advocacy towards breastfeeding and thank you for all the support provided to our breastfeeding parents, hospitals, and professionals in our communities!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing a rule to improve how families shop for their WIC foods. Currently, WIC families must shop for their food benefits at a WIC-authorized store, and payments must be made in person. The proposed rule aims to improve the WIC shopping experience by removing barriers to online shopping and modernizing food delivery.

What changes to shopping for WIC foods would we see?

When can families start shopping for their WIC foods online?

Being able to shop for WIC foods online would not happen immediately. The commenting period for USDA’s proposed WIC online shopping rule is open until May 24, 2023. The USDA will review all comments before making a final ruling.

A message to WIC participants & community partners

Comment on USDA’s proposed WIC online ordering and transactions rule to show your support for these changes.

The commenting period is now open through May 24, 2023.

Comment Now!

Depression or anxiety after pregnancy and in the first year postpartum is very common. Changes to your body, less sleep, and worries about caring for your newborn can make you feel a mix of emotions which is normal. One in five women will experience symptoms after pregnancy, and it can happen to anyone.

Help is Here

Call the PSI Helpline: (800) 944-4773
Text “Help” to (800) 944-4773

*The PSI HelpLine does not handle emergencies. People in crisis should call their local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).

Six things everyone should know about perinatal depression

LOS ANGELES COUNTY PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE
www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org

For referrals and resources, call 211 or (800) 944-4773 | www.postpartum.net
or contact your healthcare provider

Adapted from Speak Up When You’re Down

By the end of March, millions of Californians will lose the enhanced CalFresh benefits – the CalFresh Cliff. The funds were added during the COVID pandemic to help families buy groceries, and this loss now comes as food prices are quickly rising due to inflation.

Learn how to take action to help families with children under five by immediately connecting them to WIC. The current value of the child WIC food package is approximately $75, and WIC foods are inflation-proof! Attend the webinar and get your questions answered.

Join WIC, Health Net, and L.A. Care Health Plan for a live webinar,
“Hunger will Spike in 2023: Buffer the CalFresh Benefits Cliff with WIC”

Wednesday, March 15, 2023
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Questions? Email quality@lacare.org

Register Here!

Who should attend?

• Clinicians (i.e.: MDs, PCPs, OBGYNs, NPs, RNs, MAs)
• Case Managers, Social Workers, Community Health Works/Promotores de Salud
• Front and back-office staff

Speakers

Blanca Vargas, MPA, RDN

Senior Manager of Operations, PHFE WIC, A Program of Heluna Health

Jared Call

Senior Advocate, Nourish California

Kiran Saluja, MPH, RDN

Executive Director, PHFE WIC, A Program of Heluna Health

Families may qualify for cash-back tax credits worth hundreds or thousands of dollars from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) when they file their taxes. Even if you don’t normally file taxes or have low to no income, you may still qualify. Tax credits do not affect your WIC benefits.

What if I need help filing my taxes?

You may be able to get free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is available for low-income households, people with disabilities, and taxpayers who speak limited English.

Find free tax assistance!

Which tax credits am I eligible for?

See the basic eligibility requirements for each tax credit below. For federal taxes, no additional form is needed to claim these credits. When filing for state taxes, families will need to fill out the California Earned Income Tax Credit Form 3514.

FAQs

By March 2023, millions of California families will experience a sudden decrease in CalFresh (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) benefits – the CalFresh Cliff. The emergency funds were previously added by the federal government in 2020 to help families buy groceries during the pandemic, and those additional funds are ending.

On average, families could see a decrease of $82 in monthly benefits, and one-person households could see a loss as high as $258 each month. With the rising cost of food, families are not able to shop for as many groceries with the new amounts they will receive.

CalFresh Families Can Apply for WIC

CalFresh participants who are pregnant or have a child under five qualify for WIC and should participate in both programs. The WIC program does not affect immigration status, show up on credit reports or background checks, and will not hurt employment opportunities.

Signing up for WIC is easy! Appointments are available by phone or in-person at a WIC office. Apply online, call (888) 942-2229 or text APPLY to 91997 to get started.

Shopping for WIC foods is convenient. Families enrolled in WIC can shop for benefits the day they get the WIC card. Benefits are added onto an electronic card each month and viewable through the California WIC App.

WIC food benefits are reliable. Rising grocery prices do not affect WIC benefits. Even if grocery prices go up, you still get the same amount of healthy foods from WIC each month.

Find Food Assistance Programs

Use the resources below to find additional food assistance programs near you. Families enrolled in WIC can apply for other food assistance programs and should not include their participation in WIC as part of their income. For families who do not qualify for WIC, you may be eligible for a different program below. If your income or family size changes, call or text us to reapply!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to change the WIC food package for the first time in over ten years. Some changes proposed include the following:

• keep the increased fruit and vegetable benefit,
• offer more options for whole grains,
• add seafood to children, pregnant and postpartum packages,
• and offer more substitutions for all food packages.

The new changes would also allow families to shop for different sizes for all food categories (except infant formula).

How could the food package change?

When would changes to the WIC food package happen?

WIC food package changes would not happen immediately. The commenting period for USDA’s proposed WIC food package changes closed on February 21, 2023. The USDA will review all comments before making a final ruling. We could see changes to the WIC food package as soon as 2024.

Thank you to our WIC participants, staff, and community partners who submitted a comment in support of the WIC food package changes.

Families can now use their WIC Card at three local farmers markets in LA County! Shop for fresh produce at Culver City Farmers Market, La Cienega Farmers Market, and Echo Park Farmers Market.

Culver City and La Cienega Farmers Market

How to use your WIC Card:

1. Go to the info booth to swipe your WIC card for the amount you want to spend
2. Get paper scrips for the amount you asked to use
3. Shop for fruits and vegetables from the vendors – all scrips must be used same day!

Culver City Farmers Market

---

Tuesdays,
2 – 7 PM

3800 Main St, Culver City, 90232

La Cienega Farmers Market

---

Thursdays,
2 – 7 PM

1835 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, 90035

$10 Bonus

Spend at least $10 of your fruit and vegetable benefit to receive an additional $10 while supplies last.

Echo Park and Central Avenue Farmers Market

How to use your WIC Card:

1. Visit the info booth to find out which vendors accept WIC cards
2. Spend your benefits with those vendors

Echo Park Farmers Market

---

Fridays,
3 – 7:30 PM

1146 Logan St, Los Angeles, 90026

Central Avenue Farmers Market

---

Thursdays,
9 AM – 2 PM

4301 S Central Ave, Los Angeles 90011

$10 Bonus

Bring your receipt back to the info booth to get an extra $10 to purchase fresh fruits and veggies while supplies last.

Egg prices are rising, but using your WIC benefits can make grocery shopping easier! There is an egg shortage due to the avian flu and higher costs to produce them. Even though prices are increasing, your WIC benefits stay the same each month. Every WIC participant over the age of one receives one dozen eggs, and fully breastfeeding parents receive two dozen eggs every month.

Check your WIC food balance regularly, and remember to shop for your foods before the benefits end date!

Where can I shop for eggs with my WIC benefits?

Stores that accept WIC will have a WIC logo on the front window. Use the WIC Grocers section in the California WIC App to see which stores near you accept WIC. If eggs are hard to find at large grocery stores, try shopping at smaller WIC-only stores.

What type of eggs can I buy with my WIC benefits?

Can Buy

• Any brand of chicken eggs
• Dozen-size carton
• Large, white, cage-free

Cannot Buy

• Any other size, type, or color of eggs
• Powdered or liquid eggs
• Specialty eggs such as organic, vitamin-enriched, pastured, low cholesterol, or DHA-enriched

See the WIC Approved Foods List

Not enrolled for WIC? Apply now!
Need to renew your WIC account? Text APPT with your preferred date and time to 91997 to schedule an appointment.

Congratulations to Kiran Saluja, MPH, RDN, the Executive Director at PHFE WIC who recently received the Center for Health Equity, Education, and Research (CHEER) 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award! CHEER recognizes and honors her lifelong dedication and achievements in breastfeeding advocacy.

Throughout her career, Kiran has been committed to the health and nutrition of parents, infants, and children. Her passion and advocacy for breastfeeding stemmed from her own personal inability to breastfeed her first daughter when she was misinformed by hospital professionals. Through WIC, she now helps educate, support, and advocate for women who want to breastfeed and have faced similar situations.

She has served on several committees, including the Board of the National WIC Association (NWA) and even served as Board Chair in 2012. Kiran represented the NWA in 2010 before the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee which resulted in the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act. She has also supported the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Social Marketing campaign at the Institute of Medicine, now known as the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, in 2011.

Her most memorable achievements are speaking before Congress, co-founding Breastfeed LA, breastfeeding her own children, and supporting her own daughters with exclusive breastfeeding. Kiran enjoys spending her time with her husband of 42 years, three daughters, and two sets of twin grandchildren. She also enjoys time with friends, walking, cooking, and listening to audiobooks.

Congratulations to Kiran for all the advocacy towards breastfeeding and sharing her vision!

“Breastfeeding should be the default for all moms and especially WIC moms. The education and support necessary to make this happen must be prioritized while at the same time the facts about the mediocrity of formula should be well understood. I am proud of the strides made by the WIC program and know that we have a LOT MORE work ahead of us.” – Kiran Saluja

Join CHEER for a virtual celebration in March 2023! The official date will be announced soon.

WIC families receive a cash value (CVB) for fruits and vegetables as part of their WIC food package each month. Since June 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved an increase to the amount families receive for pregnant and postpartum parents and children over the age of one – the “WIC Bump.”

A recent study by PHFE WIC’s Research Team showed that the CVB increase resulted in a larger variety and amount of fruits and vegetables redeemed. The current increased fruits and vegetables benefit is approved through September 2023.

Families can shop for fresh, dried, canned, and frozen fruits and vegetables in any brand, type, or combination, including organic with their WIC benefits.

Read the full data brief on the study completed by PHFE WIC’s Research Team here.

California Department of Public Health sent a text message to WIC families saying, “CA WIC: due to the bad weather we are having, your WIC benefits may be affected in some areas. Call your WIC office or 1-800-852-5779 for questions.”

Benefits may already be available on your WIC card. Check the food balance screen of the CA WIC app, for questions text 91997.

Appointments are available by phone. Contact your local office or text us at 91997 to schedule an appointment.  

WIC is here for parents through every step of their infant feeding journey to educate, empower, and encourage parents to reach their feeding goals.

What is Chestfeeding?

Chestfeeding is when a child is fed human milk from a parent’s chest. It is a term used by many transgender and nonbinary parents who may not identify with the words breastfeeding or nursing. People who identify as female may also prefer the term chestfeeding.

What is the difference between Chestfeeding and Breastfeeding?

Physically, chestfeeding and breastfeeding are exactly the same. Lactating parents can choose the term they are most comfortable with.

How does WIC support people who chestfeed?

• Chestfeeding parents qualify for WIC for up to one year after giving birth.
• WIC educates, empowers, and encourages parents to reach their feeding goals.
• Parents are asked how they identify their gender during enrollment.
• Support groups are available for parents to connect with each other and share their experiences.
• Certified Lactation Educators and Lactation Consultants are available to answer feeding questions.
• Electric and manual pumps are provided to those who qualify and need help to reach their feeding goals.

WIC is committed to being part of parents’ support systems by providing free phone, video, and in-person services. Contact your local WIC office or text us at 91997.

September 8 is International Literacy Day.

The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established this day back in 1966. This year’s theme is Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces.

Since July 2021, PHFE WIC has provided over 42,000 total books to 21,600 kids through the Little by Little program (funded by First 5 LA and Books for Kids – California State Grant).

Little by Little is a school readiness program that was first launched at PHFE WIC in 2003 for children enrolled in WIC. These services are currently offered to families in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County at our Washington, Indian Hill, Placentia, Chino, and Santa Ana East WIC Offices.

The programs provide parents:

• Informational materials for each developmental milestone
• Books to engage with their child
• Continued support to be their child’s first teacher

Learn more about Little by Little and the information families receive for each milestone.

Attention WIC and CalFresh participants!

Your safety is our priority. WIC staff will not go to your home and ask for your information. Please protect yourself from WIC Card and CalFresh EBT scams.

Guard your information! WIC staff will only ask for confidential information during WIC appointments. We will never ask for your PIN, or photos of your WIC card or EBT card number. 

Beware of scammers asking for a picture of your benefits card in exchange for a free phone. WIC is not associated with any free phone services. Learn how you can safely apply for a free or discounted phone with California LifeLine.

All WIC services are by phone, online, or provided at our offices. WIC staff will not visit your home or ask for your information at any time other than your WIC appointments.

Keep your PIN safe! Do not share your EBT card PIN with anyone, including store vendors.

Regularly check your WIC food balance. Text 91997 or call 1-844-4MY-FAMILY to report any missing benefits.

Text 91997 to report any suspicious WIC-related calls or interactions.