LOS ANGELES — Despite being one of the most effective public health programs in the world, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) remains dramatically underutilized, with fewer than half of eligible families enrolled. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion aimed at reversing this trend by expanding awareness, access and ease of enrollment—an effort county leaders say will strengthen support for families with young children across the region.
The motion, introduced by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Holly J. Mitchell, directs county departments and community partners to work collaboratively to boost WIC participation. Heluna Health’s PHFE WIC program—the nation’s largest local WIC provider and a cornerstone of early childhood nutrition in the region—was recognized as a critical partner in the effort.
“The WIC program is a safe place for all eligible families, including immigrant families,” said Kiran Saluja, executive director of PHFE WIC at Heluna Health. “With remote services, virtual appointments and electronic benefits, WIC is easier to access than ever. This motion will help reduce barriers and connect more parents and young children to the nutrition and support they need.”
Under the motion, the Executive Director of the Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education, along with leadership from Public Social Services, Children and Family Services, Mental Health, Health Services and other family-serving departments, will work with the Executive Officer of the Board, the Acting Chief Executive Officer and external partners — including First 5 LA and WIC sites countywide, such as PHFE WIC — to develop a coordinated set of tools and outreach efforts.
Key directives include:
- Creating a “Los Angeles County Families with Young Children Toolkit” that provides a comprehensive list of resources and services, including WIC and home visiting programs, for use across all family-serving departments.
- Sharing WIC materials and the completed toolkit at key touchpoints, including County and non-County referrals, early childhood programs, home visits and other client interactions.
- Exploring opportunities to co-locate WIC staff at relevant County offices to streamline access for families, building on existing collaborations with PHFE WIC.
- Identifying strategies to increase local participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
- Launching a “Better Together” campaign to promote awareness of WIC and CalFresh and highlight that families may be eligible for both programs.
- Increasing awareness of food-related resources — including WIC and CACFP — at early education centers, child care settings, health care facilities and other family-serving organizations.
- Providing regular progress updates at Family and Social Services Cluster meetings.
The motion also directs the Acting Chief Executive Officer, in coordination with County Counsel and relevant departments, to report back within 60 days on the feasibility of implementing recommendations from the December 2024 “Enhancing Linkages for DCFS-Impacted Families” report. Those recommendations include developing standardized screening tools and referral processes across all County-administered programs, as well as creating universal enrollment forms to streamline access for families who qualify for multiple services.
As one of the County’s largest partners in early childhood nutrition, Heluna Health’s PHFE WIC program is expected to play a central role in outreach strategies, resource development and expanding access to services for families who may not yet be connected to WIC or related supports.
For more information, please contact the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Public Information Office.
About PHFE WIC
PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, is the largest WIC agency in the country. The program serves parents, infants and children in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. PHFE WIC is nationally recognized as a leader and innovator in nutrition education, breastfeeding support, staff training, customer service and outreach to community partners.
About Heluna Health
For more than 50 years, Heluna Health has collaborated with community-based organizations, public health agencies, health care systems, providers and policymakers to enhance services that expand access to disease prevention, treatment, care and social resources. Heluna Health is at the forefront of efforts to research, develop and implement community-led interventions fostering systemic change and improved health outcomes.
