Category: Nutrition assistance

Over 1 in 5 Californians are food insecure, highlighting the critical need for effective nutrition assistance programs across the state. From providing monthly benefits to offering vital nutrition education, California’s diverse programs are designed to address food insecurity and improve public health. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the primary resources available to residents.

According to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP-Ed is a federally funded initiative that provides nutrition education to individuals and families eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program aims to promote healthy eating habits, increase physical activity, and reduce the risk of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases.

In 2023, the USDA reported that WIC served 39% of all infants in the U.S., while SNAP assists millions of households nationwide. Despite both being crucial food assistance programs for low-income families, a WIC card is not the same as SNAP and serves a distinct purpose and population.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all states were mandated to transition to an electronic benefit delivery system for WIC by October 1, 2020. This major modernization effort introduced the use of an electronic card, known as the eWIC, for participants to redeem their benefits.

Over 6 million Americans, primarily infants, children, and new mothers, are served by the WIC program every month. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides essential monthly benefits, including nutritious foods, formula, and health support, to help low-income families during critical stages of development. These provisions are customized based on the participant's category, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or children under five.

According to USDA data, legumes are a valuable, protein-rich component of the WIC food package for many participants. The maximum amount of canned beans you can get with WIC varies, but it is typically set at four 15- to 16-ounce cans per month, which is equivalent to one unit of beans or peanut butter.