This year marks a monumental milestone for the WIC program, as we celebrate its 50th anniversary all over the country. The California WIC Association, in partnership with the California Department of Public Health’s WIC program, hosted a special event to commemorate this golden anniversary. With leaders from across California’s public health, community, and political sectors, the event highlighted WIC’s decades-long commitment to supporting maternal and child health, nutrition, and family well-being.
WIC’s 50-year history is one of undeniable impact as over 69% of eligible Californians receive WIC, and more than 50% of infants born in the state benefit from the program. These statistics point to a broader truth: WIC has been essential in ensuring healthy pregnancies, better birth outcomes, and school readiness for California’s children. Families across the state, from urban centers to frontier counties, rely on WIC’s trusted network of services, creating lasting generational impacts.
Throughout the event, speakers acknowledged the unwavering dedication of WIC’s workforce praising the tireless efforts of WIC staff who continue to be trusted community leaders. Personal testimonies demonstrated WIC’s profound personal impact, reminding us all that WIC is not just a public health program—it is a lifeline for families across the state and plays a pivotal role in supporting maternal and child health.
As we reflect on WIC’s golden legacy, one thing is certain: this program has transformed the lives of millions, and with ongoing dedication from advocates, policymakers, and community leaders, its impact will only continue to grow.
Here’s to 50 years of WIC—and to a golden future ahead!
The California WIC Association extends a heartfelt thanks our sponsors who supported our celebration and education fair including Mother’s Nutritional Center, Anthem Blue Cross, General Mills, Health Net, Molina Healthcare, and especially CDPH WIC for their partnership as we celebrate this beloved program.
Photos: Fariha Chowdhury, CDPH WIC Division Chief with Senator Josh Newman; Denise Gee, PHFE WIC Deputy Director, Dr. Diana Ramos, CA Surgeon General, Ninoska Ayala, Native American Health Center WIC Director; attendees at the WIC 50th celebration at the State Capitol; Deputy Cabinet Secretary Richard Figueroa; Folklorico dancers from Instituto Mazatlan de Bellas Artes (IMBA)
