For millions of families, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a lifeline — providing healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services during some of life’s most important stages. In California, WIC serves families in every community, helping pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and young children get the support they need to thrive.
One of the most important lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic was that flexibility matters. When federal waivers allowed WIC agencies to provide services remotely by phone or video chat, participation became easier and more accessible for many families. Parents no longer had to miss work, find childcare, arrange transportation, or travel long distances just to complete appointments. Instead, families could connect with trusted WIC staff from home while still receiving high-quality care and support.
Remote services have been especially important for:
- Working parents with limited time off
- Families living in rural or underserved communities
- Parents with transportation challenges
- Pregnant and postpartum individuals on bedrest or recovering after birth
- Families balancing complicated schedules and caregiving responsibilities
California WIC agencies have seen firsthand how remote services improve access, reduce barriers, and help families stay connected to the program. Many participants appreciate having options and being able to choose the type of appointment that works best for their family.
That is why federal legislation like the Modern WIC Act (H.R.1464) and the 21st Century WIC Act (S. 3842) are so important. These bills – introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate – would help ensure states can continue offering remote certifications and other virtual services that make participation easier and more equitable for families. The bill would modernize WIC by preserving the flexibility that participants and local agencies have relied on in recent years.
At a time when families are facing rising food and fuel costs and increasing economic pressures, maintaining flexible access to WIC is critical. Families should not have to choose between attending a WIC appointment and keeping up with work, childcare, or medical responsibilities.
The California WIC Association strongly supports efforts to preserve and expand remote service options within WIC. We believe families deserve a modern, accessible program that meets them where they are.
How Can You Help?
To help advocate for these important federal policies, the California WIC Association has developed template letters that supporters can send to their Members of Congress encouraging support for the Modern WIC Act.
CWA’s gratitude and appreciation go out to the California representatives who are already signed on as cosponsors of this important legislation:
- Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán, CA-44
- Rep. Salud Carbajal, CA-24
- Rep. Judy Chu, CA-28
- Rep. Gil Cisneros, CA-31
- Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-CA-10
- Rep. Laura Friedman, CA-30
- Rep. Robert Garcia, CA-42
- Rep. Josh Harder, CA-9
- Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, CA-37
- Rep. Ro Khanna, CA-17
- Rep. Mike Levin, CA-49
- Rep. Ted Lieu, CA-36
- Rep. Zoe Lofgren, CA-18
- Rep. Doris Matsui, CA-7
- Rep. Scott Peters, CA-50
- Rep. Linda Sánchez, CA-38
- Rep. Lateefah Simon, CA-12
- Rep. Mike Thompson, CA-4
- Rep. Norma Torres, CA-35
- Rep. Derek Tran, CA-45
- Rep. David Valadao, CA-22
- Rep. George Whitesides, CA-27