Author: Michelle

Join a Breastfeeding Support Group Online!

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on Join a Breastfeeding Support Group Online!

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, Korean, 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!

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


Tham gia ngay

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.

¡Únase ahora!

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

Sumali ka na!

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!

Join now

WIC은 귀하와 귀하의 아기 수유 목표를 지원하기위해 있습니다. 임산부와 모유 수유가족들은 줌으로 이루어지는 모유 수유 지원그룹 모임에 함께하시어 다른 부모님들과 연결되어 서로 배울 수 있습니다.

Zoom으로 연결될 지원그룹 모임의 날짜와 시간에 '지금 함께하세요' 버튼을 클릭하세요. 줌으로 만나요!

지금 함께하세요

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!

Միացիր հիմա

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！

现在就加入

WIC Foods Are Getting Better – Show Your Support

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on WIC Foods Are Getting Better – Show Your Support

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?

  • The increased fruits and vegetables benefit that families are receiving would be permanent.
  • Families could purchase fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley with their fruit and vegetable benefit.
  • Participants could choose less juice and more fruits and vegetable benefits.
  • WIC stores would be required to have at least three different forms of vegetables.
  • Seafood would be added to children over two, pregnant, and postpartum food packages.
  • Canned legumes would be an added option.
  • Eggs could be exchanged for legumes, peanut butter, or tofu.
  • Cultural options, including quinoa, wild rice, teff, buckwheat, corn meal, triticale, millet, amaranth, kamut, sorghum, wheat berries, tortillas with folic acid-fortified corn masa flour, whole wheat pita, English muffins, bagels, and naan would be added.
  • The amount whole grains pregnant and postpartum parents receive would increase.
  • Families have more flexibility when shopping for yogurt, tofu, cheese, or milk benefits.
  • Soy based yogurts and cheeses would be allowed.
  • Parents could exchange half or all of their jarred infant fruits and vegetables for more fresh fruits and vegetables benefit.
  • Infant cereal and jarred infant food amounts would be reduced to meet the current dietary guidelines.
  • Formula could be issued in customized amounts to help support breastfeeding parents meet their goals.

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 rule is now open until February 21, 2023. After the commenting period, USDA will review all comments before making a final ruling. We could see changes to the WIC food package as soon as 2024.

A message to WIC participants & community partners

Comment on USDA’s proposed WIC food package rule to show your support for these changes.

The commenting period is now open through February 21, 2023.

Submit your comments

Four Farmers Markets in LA Accept the WIC Card

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on Four Farmers Markets in LA Accept the WIC Card

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

$20 Bonus

Spend at least $20 of your fruit and vegetable benefit to receive an additional $20 while supplies last.

Echo Park and Crenshaw Farmers Markets

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 

Crenshaw
Farmers Market

Saturdays,
10 AM – 3 PM

4020 Marlton Ave, Los Angeles, 90008

$10 Bonus

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

The WIC card and scrips can be used to shop for fruits and vegetables. They cannot be used to buy other WIC foods such as eggs or bread. Go to the info booth to swipe your WIC card and receive paper scrips you can use to shop at the farmers market. 

No! For Culver City Farmers Market and La Cienega Farmers Market, all scrips must be spent the same day they are given. Once you swipe your card for the amount you would like to use, it cannot be added back to your WIC card. 

The WIC Card is currently accepted at Culver City, La Cienega, Echo Park, and Crenshaw Farmers Markets only. You will not be able to shop at a different market in Los Angeles County using your WIC Card. 

WIC Supports Parents Who Chestfeed

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on WIC Supports Parents Who Chestfeed

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.

WIC Families Received Over $590,000 of Produce this Farmers Market Season!

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on WIC Families Received Over $590,000 of Produce this Farmers Market Season!

The 2022 WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program wrapped up on August 13 after another successful year! Congress began the program in 1992 with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables to WIC families while familiarizing them with farmers markets and supporting the local community. 

PHFE WIC distributed farmers market checks to more than 19,000 families, totaling more than $590,000 worth of fruits and vegetables, this summer!

Thank you to all of our community partners for spreading the word, and to farmers market managers, staff, and vendors for their support to help make this a successful season.
  • Adams & Vermont Farmers Market
  • Cerritos Farmers Market
  • Crenshaw Farmers Market
  • East Hollywood Farmers Market
  • East Los Angeles Farmers Market
  • Echo Park Farmers Market
  • Fullerton Farmers Market
  • La Cienega Farmers Market
  • Monterey Park Farmers Market
  • Pomona Valley Farmers Market
  • Rosemead Farmers Market
  • Tustin Farmers Market
  • West Covina Farmers Market
  • Wilmington Farmers Market

The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program runs for a limited time each year, and next season starts summer 2023! To make sure you don’t miss out on your free produce, sign up for WIC text messages (send a text with your name and date of birth to 91997) and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Fullerton CFM
Wilmington CFM
Tustin CFM
Pomona Valley CFM
Cerritos CFM

PHFE WIC Connects Thousands of Kids to Books

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on PHFE WIC Connects Thousands of Kids to Books

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.

Little by Little
Developmental Milestones

WIC Safety Alert

Posted on | by Michelle | Leave a Comment on WIC Safety Alert

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.