NOVEMBER 25, 2024

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P O L I C Y

New USDA Leadership Pick

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute and a former White House policy director, as Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins, a Texas native with a background in agricultural leadership, would oversee the USDA, including programs like SNAP. Farm groups offered cautious support, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, while progressive critics highlighted her lack of agricultural policy experience.

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Study on Time Limits and SNAP Enrollment

A new study explored the connection between time limits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation in Connecticut. The results showed significant reductions in SNAP enrollment, including enrollments by individuals with chronic illnesses and those with the lowest incomes. 

Congress Punts Action on Farm Bill

Last week, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Stabenow released Farm Bill text aimed at strengthening SNAP. House Republicans promptly rejected the proposal, and Speaker Johnson’s office confirmed that the House plans to seek another extension of the 2018 farm bill. 

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Medi-Cal Enhanced Care Management Not Reaching Vulnerable Populations

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is a new benefit under California’s Medi-Cal program, launched in July 2023, designed to assist children and youth with complex physical, behavioral, and social needs. Despite growth, many eligible children, including foster youth and children with special health needs, remain unenrolled; of nearly 100,000 children in child welfare, only 1,212 are enrolled. Challenges include provider hesitancy, public confusion about the benefit, limited provider networks, and bureaucratic hurdles.

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California Budget Forecast

A lot is in flux, but recent analyses indicate the California budget forecast has improved over the year. A budget deficit is still predicted, but now predicted to be $2B, down from as high as $68B in early 2024. The LAO is projecting a “roughly balanced” budget in the upcoming fiscal year with multi-billion-dollar deficits in succeeding years and many unknowns post-election. Governor Newsom has called a special session to convene December 2nd to request resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families against attacks from the future Trump administration.

CWA NEWS

Call for Submissions - Spring 2025 WIC Watch!

We’re looking for YOUR stories, insights, and innovations for the next issue of WIC Watch! Whether you’re a local agency, community partner, or WIC advocate, this is your chance to shine the spotlight on the amazing work you do to support families.


What we’re looking for:

- Stories of impact

- Program success stories

- Innovative practices

- Advocacy wins

- Community partnerships


Your voice inspires and empowers the WIC community across California and beyond. Let’s celebrate your hard work and share ideas that drive meaningful change!


Submission deadline is January 24, 2024. Contact Sarah with questions.

Submit Your WIC Watch Story!
Read Previous Issues of the WIC Watch

California Nutrition Corps Scholarship Applications are Open!

The CNC Scholarship application link went live on November 15, 2024! CWA is thrilled to provide scholarships for current WIC local agency staff who are furthering their education: scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and dietetic interns. Applicants may apply once per category. Get more information on our CWA webpage.

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TOP NEWS PICKS

US Obesity Prevalence Has More Than Doubled in Recent Decades

The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. more than doubled from 1990 to 2021, and the number of Americans with obesity could reach 260 million – two thirds – by 2050 if trends do not change, researchers reported in the Lancet. 

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Mediterranean-Style Diet May Reduce Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Black and Hispanic women who adhered to components of a Mediterranean-style diet were less likely to experience any adverse pregnancy outcome, regardless their weight, in a recent study.

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Prenatal Supplement Problems With Ingredients, Labelling

New research reveals most prenatal vitamins don't contain enough of the nutrients that are essential for a healthy pregnancy, like choline and iodine, while others contain harmful levels of toxic metals like lead and cadmium.

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SLU Study Explores the Pandemic’s Impact on Breastfeeding Practices in Historically Marginalized Communities

An analysis of how stay-at-home orders at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic impacted breastfeeding has found that 34 percent of mothers said stay-at-home orders facilitated easier breastfeeding at home, stronger mother-child bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration for many women. However, the pandemic also presented significant barriers, including limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress.

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WELLNESS

It's November, and as we approach the holiday season this month's W3 newsletter has some tips on connecting and embracing yourself and your team, as well as a seasonally-appropriate recipe for Cozy Comfort Lentil Soup. Please share widely! Thank you to the students working with John Haubenstricker, American Red Cross WIC, to provide these monthly resources.

Healthy Recipes & Tips

Healthy Recipe Video

Visit our YouTube Channel to watch easy healthy food recipes like this month's Cozy Comfort Lentil Soup!

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RESOURCES




HOW CAN YOU HELP?

As a nonprofit membership organization, CWA relies on the contributions of many organizations and individuals to help us achieve our missionThere 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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