WHEREAS, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was established by the federal government in 1974 to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to five years of age; and

WHEREAS, WIC in California has been a beacon of support, providing essential nutrition assistance, health care referrals, breastfeeding support, relief in times of crisis, and nutrition education to parents and young children in need; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, WIC has been instrumental in reducing infant mortality, improving birth outcomes, and promoting healthy eating habits among California’s most vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS, WIC has continuously adapted to the evolving needs of families, offering services that contribute to the overall well-being of mothers and children, including breastfeeding support, healthy food options, a modernized shopping experience, and educational resources; and

WHEREAS, WIC has been a community asset in helping families cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and swiftly adjusted its practices and use of technology to protect the health and wellness of WIC participants and staff; and

WHEREAS, WIC serves nearly 1,000,000 vulnerable California caregivers, infants, and children per month, and directs over $70,000,000 in healthy food purchases per month into local California grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and military commissaries; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated efforts of WIC staff, advocates, and partners have made a profound impact on maternal and child health, laying the foundation for healthier futures for countless Californian families; now, therefore, be it