SANTA CRUZ, CA — Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program remains fully funded and operational, with resources secured through November 2025, ensuring continued support for local families despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.
While some federal nutrition programs—such as SNAP (CalFresh in California)—may experience delays or pauses in benefits starting November 1, WIC participants will continue to receive their benefits without interruption. All scheduled appointments will proceed as normal, and participants can continue to use their WIC cards for healthy food purchases.
“Families depend on WIC to ensure their children have the nutrition they need to thrive,” said Dana Wagner, Community Bridges WIC Program Senior Program Director. “We want to reassure our participants that WIC is open and ready to serve, even during this uncertain time.”
Community Bridges WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals to community resources for low-income families with young children and pregnant or postpartum women. 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 to help families build a healthy foundation for their children’s growth and development.
WIC participants are encouraged to keep their appointments and reach out with any questions or concerns about their benefits.
WIC Office Locations and Hours
WIC Watsonville
Mon–Fri | 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
18 W. Lake Ave, Suite A
(831) 722-7121
WIC Santa Cruz
Mon–Thurs | 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
1105 Water St
(831) 426-3911
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY BRIDGES WIC PROGRAM
The Community Bridges WIC Program opened in February 1977. Each year, it serves more than 550 pregnant women, 800 breastfeeding women, 1,100 infants, and 3,800 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.
