Officials noted that nationally only about half of eligible individuals use WIC, with even lower rates among food-insecure households in the county
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a measure Tuesday to increase enrollment in two federal nutrition programs for young children and families, citing low participation rates and recent disruptions in SNAP benefits.
The motion, sponsored by Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Holly Mitchell, directs county departments including Public Health, Public Social Services and Children and Family Services to coordinate efforts to boost access to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Steps include developing a resource toolkit for families with young children, standardizing referrals across county systems, exploring on-site WIC staffing at county offices and launching a public awareness campaign promoting dual enrollment in WIC and CalFresh, California’s version of SNAP.
Officials noted that nationally only about half of eligible individuals use WIC, with even lower rates among food-insecure households in the county. The programs provide food benefits, nutrition education and meal reimbursements for child care providers.
