Dear Friend of the WIC Program,

As businesses in California begin to cautiously reopen, we want to connect with you to share updates about WIC program operations, values, and commitments to our community.

WIC continues to operate during the pandemic as an essential service in order to provide important and necessary services to families. Our offices have been closed to the public since March 2020 in compliance with the Governor's "Safer at Home" order. In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our WIC families, we will remain closed to the public until further notice. All appointments and benefits are being provided virtually by phone and online.

In this time of uncertainty, families need our services more than ever. Our WIC services will continue while offices remain closed to the public through at least September 2020. We want to assure everyone that WIC is here to help connect growing families with healthy food and other resources during this time.

Standing Together
We at PHFE WIC acknowledge the pain and suffering that anti-Black racism causes. Black lives matter. We speak out against racism in all of its forms, against oppression, and against the killings of Black people.  As a program that provides support to families in need, we recognize the importance of our role in contributing to equity and justice in our community. With this in mind, we are taking a hard look at our organization—our hiring practices, our staff mentoring and training, our community referrals—and identifying ways we can be better accomplices to our Black coworkers, participants, and community. We are committed to working with our community partners to actively change the institutional and structural systems that have allowed racism to persist, and we stand in solidarity with those who pursue equity, justice, and human dignity.
Families New to WIC
For people whose income has been affected by recent events and are pregnant or have a child under 5, WIC can help provide nutritious foods and more resources to keep their growing family healthy.

From March to June 2020, PHFE WIC has seen an increase of over 31,000 participants served, and we have taken measures to accommodate this growing demand for WIC services. Most WIC applicants are enrolled by phone on the same day they apply, and receive their WIC food benefits within 3-5 days.
Please continue referring families to WIC.

Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County residents can text APPLY to 91997 ,
or complete a simple online application at www.phfewic.org/apply.
All other California residents can find their nearest WIC program here .
Residents outside of California can find their state WIC program here .

Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and caretakers are welcome to apply for WIC benefits for their children under age 5. WIC is also not considered a part of public charge. Participating in the WIC program does not affect immigration status for anyone currently in the U.S.

See WIC income eligibility guidelines here.

Great News for Current WIC Participants
Stay Home! WIC Appointments are by Phone
Participants who have an appointment scheduled should please stay home and expect a call around the time of their appointment. Those who do not have an appointment or missed their last appointment and need benefits should send a text to 91997.

Learn and Grow with WIC Online!

Nutrition and Health Online Classes are available at www.WIConlineEducation.org . You can also access a wealth of information on child development and nutrition, breastfeeding, and more in the "Learn and Grow" sectio n of www.phfewic.org .
New WIC Food Choices
WIC temporarily expanded the list of approved foods to offer a greater selection of options for families.These options include many new brands, flavors, and package sizes. You can find a full list of additional food choices  here.
More WIC Resources
View the "Stay Home! Get Your WIC benefits by phone" Webinar recording here.

Check your WIC food balance by calling 1-844-469-3264.

Find a WIC-Authorized Grocery store here.

WIC Card Shopper Support line: 1-800-852-5770  

PHFE WIC Infant Feeding Helpline: 1-888-278-6455

Download the free CA WIC app ( iPhone ) ( Android ).

Watch a video about the California WIC Card here.
Did a friend forward you this newsletter? Sign yourself up!
12781 Schabarum Ave,
Irwindale, CA 91706
Text: 91997
www.phfewic.org