California WIC Updates
Learn more about what is new with the California WIC program.
WIC 50th āāAnniversary Recognized by California State Senate
Updated March 13, 2024
The California State Senate honored the 50th anniversary of the WIC program on February 8, 2024, with the adoption of Senate Resolution 59 (SR 59). This resolution, authored by Senator Josh Newman, applauds WIC's critical support to California's families, highlighting its nutrition and health support services. The resolution, including Senator Newman's speech, are available on the
California Legislative Information website and the
California WIC YouTube channel, marking a call for ongoing support to ensure WIC's services remain available to eligible and enrolled families.
To learn more about WIC's 50th anniversary celebration, visit
www.MyFamily.wic.ca.govā
On March 8, 2024, the Senate passed legislation funding the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and several other executive branch agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year. The legislation includes a funding increase of more than $1 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
President Biden signed the legislation on Saturday March 9, 2024.
Nutramigen LGG Recall 2023
Updated January 3, 2024
āThe manufacturer of Nutramigen LGG has issued a limited voluntary recall of six batches of 12.6 oz and 19.8 oz cans of Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula. Only a small number of batches are affected, and no other products are impacted.
California Redemption Value juice bottle fees start January 1, 2024
Updated Deceāmber 20, 2023
As of January 1, 2024, a new law will require shoppers to pay a ten cents ($0.10) deposit for each 64 oz of juice purchased; this includes WIC participants using their WIC benefits. These fees must be paid by the shopper and cannot be covered by the WIC program.
Contact your local WIC office for questions about this new fee.
COVID-19 Information for WIC Families
Updated October 9, 2023
Updated 2023ā2024 Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines are now available.
Updated 2023ā2024 COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and authorized by the FDA and recommended for use by the CDC for everyone 6 months and older. The updated vaccines are monovalent and include the Omicron XBB.1.5 component.
What do parents and caregivers need to know?
Everyone 6 months and older should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines:
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Everyone 5 years of age and older is recommended to receive a single updated dose as long as it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.
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Young children 6 months through 4 years are recommended to receive 2ā3 updated doses, while those who have received prior doses are recommended for 1ā2 additional doses.
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Everyone 6 months of age and older who is immunocompromised may receive additional updated doses.
To help prevent severe disease, everyone in your family is recommended to get the updated 2023ā2024 COVID-19 vaccine 2 or more months since their last dose.
To book updated COVID-19 vaccine appointments for your family or to find a walk-in clinic, visit My Turn.ā
The updated vaccines are monovalent and include the Omicron XBB.1.5 component. See why the CDC urges you to stay up to date with your vaccines.
Use the information on
CDPHās COVID-19 Vaccine page to learn more about the facts and help you make the best decision for your family.ā
Changes to the Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Starting October 1, 2023
Updated October 5, 20ā23
The temporary WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit increase has been extended through September 30, 2024, with updated dollar amounts.
WIC families can continue to buy dried fruit, fresh, canned, and frozen fruits and vegetables of any brand, type, or combination. Organic fruits and vegetables are also included. WIC families receive a monthly cash-value benefit on their California WIC Card for fruits and vegetables purchases.
The benefit amounts are set by the United States Congress and may change before September 30, 2024. Families should continue checking the
WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit webpage for updates.ā
Ending Infant Formula Flexibilities in WIC
āāUpdated September 18, 2023
The availability of infant formula in California has significantly improved following a period of shortages in 2022 and 2023. For this reason, temporary expanded WIC formula options have been phased out as of June 30, 2023.
WIC families can now purchase WIC contract formulas with their food benefits. Families should buy the brand, type, size, and number of cans included in tāāheir WIC Food Balance.
For more information about WIC contract formulas, visit the
MyFamāāily contract formulas webpage. Families can also contact their
local WIāC officeā to see which formulas are available. āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā