{"id":80766,"date":"2026-05-11T23:47:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T06:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=80766"},"modified":"2026-05-11T23:47:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T06:47:26","slug":"california-expands-wic-food-choices-to-support-healthier-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=80766","title":{"rendered":"California Expands WIC Food Choices to Support Healthier Families"},"content":{"rendered":"
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New WIC food updates bring more choices and healthier options for California families<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What You Need to Know: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently updated California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food benefits statewide. These changes increase flexibility and choice for WIC families by expanding the variety of nutritious foods offered and are designed to better support the health and nutrition needs of pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, infants, and young children across California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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SACRAMENTO<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food benefits statewide, expanding access to healthy foods and offering greater flexibility and choice to WIC families. The changes include more whole grain options, additional yogurt flavors, additional plant-based milk alternatives, expanded access to canned fish, and the ability to purchase fresh herbs with the fruits and vegetables benefit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese updates to the California WIC food benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the health, cultural preferences, and everyday needs of the families WIC serves,\u201d said\u00a0Dr. Rita Nguyen, CDPH Assistant Health Officer. By expanding food choices and aligning food benefits with nutrition guidelines and community needs, we are helping to ensure that WIC participants have access to healthy foods that fit their lives and culture.<\/p>\n

Why the Change Happened<\/p>\n

The updates were implemented in response to a USDA final rule issued in 2024 that incorporated recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The revised foods are intended to strengthen nutrition security, promote healthier dietary patterns, and better meet the evolving nutritional needs of individuals participating in WIC.<\/p>\n

Who Is Impacted<\/p>\n

The updated food benefits apply to all California WIC participants, including:<\/p>\n