CNR Introduced in the House, to be Reviewed by Committee |
Last week the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act (CNR) was introduced, and tomorrow will be considered by the House Education and Labor Committee. The Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act would reauthorize WIC and other child nutrition programs and includes provisions to extend postpartum eligibility to two years and child eligibility to age six, and to allow for remote service of WIC participants beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate has not yet released a timeline for its own consideration of Child Nutrition Reauthorization. ACTION: Use NWA's tool to contact your Congressional representative and ask for their support and quick passage of this legislation.
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Formula Shortage Measures |
On Monday, USDA announced several steps to address WIC program response to current and potential future nationwide shortages of infant formula. USDA also committed to establishing a webpage that presents open bid solicitations for infant formula. Last week President Biden signed the Formula Act into law, which would suspend tariffs to lower the cost of importing infant formula, hopefully increasing the supply in stores. Commissioner Robert Califf, in a hearing last Wednesday before the Senate Agriculture Committee, did not offer a timeline for when to expect the stock of infant formula to return to normal levels. Abbott Nutrition recently extended contract flexibilities for WIC State agencies through the end of September in recognition of the more recent delays in ramping up production.
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Save the Date!
CWA will be hosting a three-part online Chestfeeding Education Series, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, and Dec. 14, 1:00 – 2:00 pm PST. The series will be co-facilitated by Lauren Hanley, MD, FACOG, FABM, IBCLC, and a colleague to be announced at a later date. There is no cost for WIC staff and community partners. We will also be offering CEUs/CERPs for this series, which will be recorded for those that cannot attend the live sessions. Stay tuned for more details. Email Jodi with any questions.
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FDA Finds Heavy Metals in Baby Food |
The Food and Drug Administration found significant levels of toxic heavy metals in the U.S. food supply during its ongoing monitoring efforts, the agency said in a new report. And baby foods were among the most contaminated for arsenic and lead. The FDA's report analyzes the most recent data on nutrients and contaminants from its ongoing survey aimed at promoting food safety.
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Miscarriage Risk Higher in the Summer |
Women have a 44% higher risk of an early miscarriage in the summer months, according to a new study. The study’s findings are particularly alarming for pregnant Latinas, who are more vulnerable to the effects of rising temperatures because of where they live and work, according to a report by the Environmental Defense Fund.
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Gestational Diabetes on the Rise |
A CDC analysis of 3.25 million birth records found that the percentage of expectant women with gestational diabetes increased 30% between 2016 and 2020, which researchers say may be explained by the rising age of mothers, changing demographics and sedentary lifestyles and stress in the first year of the pandemic.
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) was recently activated. Callers have access to trained counselors for help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. Information on 988, including outreach messages and news updates are available from SAMSHA. Counselors are located in call centers across the country and there are positions available for volunteers, interns and employees. Information is here for the positions and the list of call centers.
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Unemployment
Although being unemployed is never easy and looking for a job is a job in itself, WIC Can Help by referring families to the following resources that can assist with everything from job training to learning how to get out of debt after lost wages from not working.
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Support CWA online!
As a nonprofit membership organization, CWA relies on the contributions of many organizations and individuals to help us achieve our mission. There are many ways to give of your time, talents, or resources to help CWA promote healthy families, strong communities, and bright futures! We appreciate all forms of support and invite you to join us!
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California WIC Association www.calwic.org
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