RELEASE: Congresswoman Friedman Tours WIC Site Amid Government Shutdown

Above: Friedman speaks with WIC administrators.

LOS ANGELES, CA - U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) toured the PHFE WIC center in her district, one of two WIC agencies serving thousands of pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women as well as children under 5 years of age in the area. During her tour, Friedman heard from WIC administrators and staff who explained the services offered by WIC during the government shutdown, as well as what is at stake should funding for the vital program run out.

"WIC is a shining light for so many Americans struggling who are still waiting on their SNAP benefits and other nutrition aid. I'm grateful to the dedicated Americans like the ones working in my district for being there to get women and children get the support they need," said Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) "In Congress, I'll keep fighting to bring an end to this shutdown while protecting access to affordable healthcare alongside critical resources like SNAP and WIC."

WIC FEEDS FAMILIES IN CA-30 & ACROSS CALIFORNIA:

• 10,312 Los Angelenos served in CA-30 alone.
• More than 1 million Californians rely on WIC, 611,543 of which are children.
• Nearly 50% of all infants born in California are enrolled in WIC by age 1.
• WIC supports families with healthy food, nutrition tips, expert guidance on infant feeding, and more.

WIC centers like PHFE WIC remain open and available to help families in-person or remotely in a variety of languages during the shutdown. However, recipients of WIC also often qualify for SNAP/CalFresh and Medi-Cal/Medicaid, programs are at risk due to the Congressional Republican Shutdown. Friedman has been working to bring all parties to the negotiating table and reopen the government while protecting access to affordable healthcare, SNAP, and more.

Below: Friedman with WIC administrators and staffers.

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