December 9th, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, coauthored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, to  increase enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and utilization of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This initiative strengthens the County’s ability to connect families with young children to fully funded federal nutrition programs proven to improve health, food security, and long-term wellbeing.

“As federal systems fall short, Los Angeles County is stepping up to protect families with young children,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “WIC and CACFP are vital, reliable programs that can immediately ease the burden on parents, yet far too many eligible families are not connected to them. This motion strengthens our ability to close that gap and ensure every family has access to the nutrition and support their children need to thrive.”

The urgency of connecting families to these programs has only increased following the November 2025 SNAP benefit delays, which left more than 1.5 million County residents facing sudden gaps in their monthly food budgets, and the upcoming eligibility changes to SNAP. WIC and CACFP remained fully funded, but many families may not know they are eligible or how to enroll – or that they can enroll in both WIC and CalFresh highlighting the importance of a coordinated Countywide approach.

“Far too many hardworking families who need support accessing food – and are entitled to benefits like SNAP – are left out due to a lack of awareness and misinformation. As we see the Federal government’s continued attempts to limit access to SNAP, which feeds millions of people, this motion  helps ensure eligible residents are signing up for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) that serves our most vulnerable children and their families,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District. 

“For many families, WIC is more than just a nutritional program- it’s a trusted pillar in communities and an important component of the social safety net. Similarly, in calling for the creation of the LA County Families with Young Children Toolkit, the Board is not only moving to address food insecurity, it’s equipping those who work in service to families at key touchpoints with access to a broad array of early childhood resources and supports that strengthen families and help them thrive,” Dr. Tamara N. Hunter, Division Chief, Family First Prevention Services and Mandated Supporting Initiative, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. 

“A recent bright spot was the federal government’s passage of full funding for WIC through September 30, 2026.  Unfortunately, too many eligible families in Los Angeles County are not accessing WIC’s healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care. WIC foods alone bring purchasing power of over $18M every month to grocers and farmers in Los Angeles County, directly supporting local employment and the local economy. The WIC investment in families and communities reaps big rewards for all of us, not just the families who benefit directly from the program.  WIC services ensure that every tax dollar we spend supporting pregnant women, infants and children under age 5 will promote healthier outcomes for women and children and save taxpayers an average of $2.48. We must do all we can to ensure all eligible families in Los Angeles County are receiving WIC services,” Dr. Shannon E. Whaley, Director of Research and Evaluation, PHFE WIC 

The approved motion directs Los Angeles County’s family-serving departments to take coordinated, concrete steps to better connect families with WIC, CACFP, and related supports. This includes improving staff tools, standardizing referrals, and strengthening outreach across County systems and community touchpoints.

More Information
Read the full motion here >

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