SANTA CRUZ, CA — Community Bridges’ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will host its 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair on Thursday, August 7, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Laurel Park, Santa Cruz.
The 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair celebrates World Breastfeeding Week by raising awareness about breastfeeding and the services available to families through Community Bridges WIC Program and other key health partners. Open to all, this event offers a welcoming environment for new parents, expecting families, and anyone interested in supporting breastfeeding. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate together as a community.
With ongoing rhetoric causing hesitation in accessing services, it’s crucial to provide outreach and ensure that families know WIC is here for them. In times of uncertainty, WIC stands firm in its commitment to supporting local families with not just nutrition assistance, but educational resources, health services, and a welcoming community.
Said Community Bridges Senior Program Director Dana Wagner: “It’s crucial that every family who qualifies for WIC feels empowered and supported in accessing our services. Despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, being together with the community to celebrate this event reminds us all the strength we have when we support one another. It’s truly rewarding to see families come together, share resources, and connect with the support they need during these difficult times.”
A Tradition of Support and Celebration
The Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair has been a cherished tradition for nearly two decades, providing a platform for families to access resources, support, and information about breastfeeding.
Participants can look forward to a variety of activities, including:
Rally-style Walk: A community walk around Laurel Park to show support for breastfeeding families. The walk starts at 3pm.
Live Music: Enjoy tunes from a live DJ, creating a festive atmosphere.
Community Resource Booths: Local organizations will provide information and services related to family health and wellness.
Healthy Snacks: Complimentary refreshments to keep attendees energized.
Free T-shirts and Raffle Prizes: Exclusive event merchandise and chances to win prizes.
Breast Milk Donation Site: An opportunity to support the community by donating breast milk.
Additionally, the City and County of Santa Cruz will honor Breastfeeding Awareness Month with official proclamations, and a local employer will be recognized for providing lactation accommodations to their breastfeeding employees.
A Legacy of Impact
Since its inception, the WIC program has been instrumental in supporting the health and well-being of families in Santa Cruz County, the Pajaro Valley, and neighboring communities.
Serving approximately 550 pregnant women, 800 breastfeeding women, 1,100 infants, and 3,800 children under five each month, WIC provides essential nutrition, education, and breastfeeding support. The program has consistently achieved breastfeeding rates above state averages, with 36% of mothers exclusively breastfeeding at six months and 60% continuing at one year.
The Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair has grown from a small gathering at Community Bridges headquarters into a major community event. Initially showcasing the WIC program’s lactation center and Peer Counseling, it started with just a few partner tables and around 35-40 attendees. As interest grew, the event moved to Watsonville City Plaza, attracting larger crowds.
With WIC Senior Program Director Dana Wagner as Chair of the Santa Cruz County Breastfeeding Coalition, the event expanded through strategic partnerships, increasing awareness of breastfeeding support and available resources.
Now, the 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair is a celebration of the ongoing progress made in supporting families through education, resources, and community connections.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community that values and supports the health and well-being of families. Join us on August 7 at Laurel Park for an afternoon of fun, learning, and celebration!
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY BRIDGES WIC PROGRAM
The Community Bridges WIC Program opened in February 1977. Each year, it serves more than 800 pregnant women, 900 breastfeeding women, 1,600 infants, and 5,000 children across Santa Cruz County. The programs include innovative on-site and on-line nutrition and breastfeeding education, food demonstrations, healthy recipes, and cooking tips. Staff also provide breastfeeding peer counseling, hemoglobin screenings, and health care referrals.
For more information, please visit www.communitybridges.org/WIC.
