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WIC plays a major role in the health of families across California. Explore inspiring stories of people who have helped shape and took part in the California WIC program.

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Virginia's WIC Story

Virginia is an immigrant to the United States. She was referred to WIC by Planned Parenthood after learning she was pregnant. In her story, Virginia remembers how WIC services helped her address a thalassemia diagnosis, extend lactation, and manage food insecurity during the Great Recession.


Mark Jones's WIC Story

Mark remembers running around the WIC office with his siblings as his mother met with WIC staff. He and his siblings enjoyed choosing WIC foods at the store with his mother, not knowing about the nutritional value the food brought to the family. Fast forward 15 years later, Mark is majoring in Nutrition and decides to apply for an internship at WIC. Mark sees himself in the children at the WIC office, and sees his mother in the women that participate in the WIC program. Mark now serves the same community as a WIC Nutritionist, that his single mother, his siblings, and himself were once a part of many years ago.


Daniel and Kevin's WIC Story

When Daniel and Kevin got married, they wanted to start a family. After consulting with a neighbor who had adopted several children, they chose to foster two young boys. Their social worker introduced Daniel and Kevin to the WIC program, where they identified their son’s severe nutritional status. Through dedicated visits with WIC registered dietitians, this family has started to see great results with the valuable nutritional tools WIC has provided.


Erika's WIC Story

Erika was encouraged by a friend to receive WIC during her first pregnancy and had a wonderful experience. Erika used the WIC education she received while her son was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Erika’s second pregnancy was overshadowed by depression; her WIC counselor Danielle, noticed Erika was disengaged. With compassion and encouragement she assisted Erika in finding solutions to her problems. Erika has come full circle with WIC by her side, every step of the way. She now helps and empowers WIC participants that she sees as a WIC staff.


Brandi's WIC Story

When she was WIC participant, Brandi discovered the benefits of breastfeeding through the program’s breastfeeding support and peer counseling services. Her experience was such a success that she became interested in becoming a WIC peer counselor—a parent in the community with personal breastfeeding experience and training who mentors, coaches and supports breastfeeding WIC moms. After four years as a peer counselor, Brandi became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She established the Breast Friends Mommy Group, led by the group’s moms to meet the breastfeeding, parenting, and birth-related needs of West Oakland residents. Since the group’s establishment in 2013, exclusive breastfeeding rates in the community have steadily increased. Brandi’s WIC story is a testament to how one person’s championing of breastfeeding moms can change the cultural landscape in a community.


WIC Story: Working at WIC

WIC provides more than just healthy foods for your family. WIC staff include trained Dietitians, Nutritionists and peer counselors who provide specific nutrition education and breastfeeding support for you and your family. The trained staff also provide tips, steps, and resources to ensure your family has everything they need for a lifetime of good health. The WIC program helps you and your family to be healthy and productive members of the society. Learn more about the role WIC can play in supporting your family.


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California WIC is looking for people to share their personal WIC stories on camera. We want people to know how WIC changes lives.

We welcome stories from people working with WIC families or from WIC participants. If you would like to volunteer or suggest someone to share their story, please email: WICOutreach@cdph.ca.gov.



Page Last Updated: April 12, 2023




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