women, infants & children (WIC)

California WIC Updates

Learn more about what is new with the California WIC program.

WIC Services and Federal Budget

Updated March 14, 2025

On March 14, 2025, the United States Congress passed a Continuing Resolution that would keep the federal government open through September 30, 2025.

If Congress does not pass a federal budget or Continuing Resolution by September 30, the federal government will shut down. This could affect many government programs and services.

WIC is committed to serving and keeping California families informed. For the latest information and guidance on WIC services during this time, visit the MyFamily website.

COVID-19 Information for WIC Families

Updated October 30, 2024

Updated 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines are now available!

These 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 protection against more current strains of the virus.

What do parents and caregivers need to know?

Everyone 6 months and older should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines:

Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive a single updated dose as long as it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.
Young children 6 months through 4 years are recommended to receive 2–3 updated doses, while those who have received prior doses are recommended for 1–2 additional doses.
Everyone 6 months of age and older who is immunocompromised may receive additional updated doses.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, everyone 6 months of age and older should also get the latest flu vaccine. Because viruses change, flu and COVID-19 vaccines are regularly updated to help protect us against circulating strains. Getting the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. To keep your family healthy, make sure everyone gets the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose.

To book updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments for your family or to find a walk-in clinic, visit MyTurn.ca.gov.

Learn more

Updated vaccines are our best protection against circulating strains. Families can learn more about immunizations and make the best decisions for their health by visiting CDPH’s COVID-19 Vaccine page or the MyFamily Immunization Information webpage.

Changes to the Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Starting October 1, 2023

Updated June 6, 2024

The WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit has adjusted 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.

Families should continue checking the WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit webpage for updates.

Governor Newsom Commemorates 50 Years of WIC

Updated May 24, 2024

During Public Health Week 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom released a letter commemorating the WIC program's five decades of enduring impact on California's families and across the nation.

Since 1974, WIC has significantly improved child and maternal health by providing vital nutrition education, breastfeeding and chestfeeding support, and nutritious foods to those in need. Reflecting on WIC's contributions, the Governor highlighted, "WIC has been instrumental in preparing children for success and improving health outcomes for families across California."

Read the full letter here (PDF) and on the MyFamily website. For further information about the 50th anniversary celebrations of the WIC program, please visit MyFamily.wic.ca.gov.

WIC 50th Anniversary 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 50^th anniversary celebration, visit MyFamily.wic.ca.gov.

Congress Passes Legislation Funding WIC Program for 2023-2024 Fiscal Year

Updated March 11, 2024

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.

Visit Congress.gov for more information.

Nutramigen LGG Recall 2023

Updated January 3, 2024

The 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.

For more information, visit Enfamil’s Nutramigen 2023 Recall website.

California Redemption Value juice bottle fees start January 1, 2024

Updated December 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.

For more information, visit the MyFamily website.

Contact your local WIC office for questions about this new fee.

Ending Infant Formula Flexibilities in WIC

Updated 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 their WIC Food Balance.

For more information about WIC contract formulas, visit the MyFamily contract formulas webpage. Families can also contact their local WIC office to see which formulas are available.