OCTOBER 8, 2025

On October 1, 2025, a federal government shutdown went into effect after Congress and the Senate were unable to pass a continuing resolution to fund federal programs. The Senate has rejected several CR proposals, while the House has canceled votes and extended their recess through October 13th after passing their version of a CR. While some federal services have halted, WIC operations in California remain fully operational, and WIC offices currently have funding to continue appointments and benefits distribution. If the shutdown continues for an extended period, there is a risk that existing funding could be depleted, potentially jeopardizing WIC operations. Advocates are closely monitoring the situation and engaging with policymakers to ensure uninterrupted access for families. To support outreach and public awareness, the California WIC Association has prepared social media tools (messages, graphic 1, graphic 2) that organizations and advocates can share to reassure communities and stakeholders that WIC services are operational.

The USDA has proposed new rules for SNAP-authorized retailers to increase access to healthier foods. The changes would require stores to stock at least seven varieties of food in each of four staple categories: protein, dairy, grains, and fruits/vegetables. While the USDA says the goal is to promote better nutrition, critics argue the changes don't go far enough to improve healthy food access and may be confusing or burdensome for small retailers. Public comments on the rule are open until November 24, 2025.

Over the weekend, USDA released a memo announcing that states have until November 1 to implement some of the most harmful SNAP changes included in the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The new rules expand time limits and work requirements on SNAP for adults up to age 65, including veterans, caregivers, parents of children 14 and older, unhoused, and young adults aging out of foster care. These are far-reaching changes to SNAP, yet state agencies, which normally require 12 to 18 months to implement such updates, are now being forced to move quickly without sufficient guidance or support against a backdrop of government shutdown. USDA also has announced that existing time limit waivers in some states that were not set to expire until next year, will now terminate within 30 days. 

USCIS “Important Reminder to Sponsors and Household Members Regarding Their Obligations Under Affidavits of Support”

On September 25, USCIS released a memo reminding sponsors and household members of their obligations under the affidavit of support. The memo simply restates current law. See below for three key takeaways from the memo. For more information, see the PIF/NILC Explainer.

DHCS Adds New Resources for Doula Providers & Medi-Cal Participants

DHCS has launched a new, user-friendly web-based Doula Directory for Medi-Cal members and doula providers, listing enrolled doulas by county along with their contact info, specializations, languages, pronouns, and National Provider Identifier. The directory is searchable, sortable, and downloadable as a CSV file. Additionally, DHCS published FAQs on the dispute resolution process for doulas needing help with claims or managed care issues, and updated the Doula webpages for providers and members with other resources to improve communications and processes, all in response to recommendations from the Doula Benefit Implementation Report.

Governor Signs SB 660 to Strengthen California’s Health Data Sharing Framework

Several of CWA’s supported bills have advanced to the Governor’s desk for signature, and last week, Governor Newsom signed SB 660 (Menjivar) into law. This important measure strengthens California’s Data Exchange Framework (DxF) by clarifying participation requirements, placing oversight under the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), and including emergency services in data sharing. SB 660 builds on community input to improve coordination, reduce costs, and support better health outcomes across the state. You can see CWA’s full bill list here.

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A major study presented at the AAP 2025 Annual Meeting found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and protective for both mothers and infants. Reviewing data from more than 1.2 million pregnancies, researchers reported lower risks of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, stillbirth, preterm birth, and NICU admission, with no evidence of harm to infants. Despite mixed federal messaging, ACOG and AAP continue to recommend vaccination during pregnancy.

New research shows that children who had COVID-19 gained more weight than those who were not infected, with the biggest increases seen in ages 6–11 and among boys. Contributing factors may include increased sedentary time, stress, and possible metabolic effects of the virus. The findings highlight the need for strategies to support healthy habits during illness and other stressful events.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid cannabis, citing risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, NICU admission, and potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects. Clinicians are encouraged to screen patients and provide education about these risks while supporting safer alternatives.

New research suggests that a diet high in fruit can help reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on lung function, especially in women. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in fruit may counteract the oxidative stress caused by fine particulate matter. While diet can help, researchers stress that reducing air pollution remains essential for public health.

If you peruse this month's W3 newsletter you'll find some tips for setting healthy work boundaries, and a recipe for a Spiced Orange Tea! Please share widely! Thank you to the students working with John Haubenstricker, American Red Cross WIC, to provide these monthly resources.

Visit our YouTube Channel to watch easy healthy food recipes like Orange Spiced Tea!

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!