On August 15, 2024, PHFE WIC hosted its third annual Breastfeeding Month Celebration and Resource Fair at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte, California. This event, set against the picturesque backdrop of a bustling park, welcomed over a thousand families with young children for a day filled with support, connection, and community spirit.
Honoring Milestones and Community Impact
This year’s celebration was particularly special as it marked three significant milestones: National Breastfeeding Month, the WIC Program’s 50th anniversary, and the 20th anniversary of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. The event highlighted PHFE WIC’s unwavering commitment to supporting breastfeeding families and connecting them with essential resources.
Distinguished guests, including Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Dr. Blayne Cutler, President and CEO of Heluna Health, and Kiran Saluja, Executive Director of PHFE WIC, delivered inspiring remarks. Congresswoman Sanchez emphasized the comprehensive support WIC provides, stating, “No matter what stage of your breastfeeding journey that you’re on, WIC is here to support you every single step of the way.”
Kiran Saluja echoed this sentiment, praising the dedication of the WIC team: “When it comes to breastfeeding and helping all of you, there is no one better than these folks. They are committed, they are passionate, they are dedicated, and they will call you anytime. You call them, they will respond to you. And you are living testament of so many moms who have been able to breastfeed.”
Connecting Families to Vital Resources
The Resource Fair demonstrated WIC’s deep-rooted connection with the community, providing a platform where families could access a variety of services. The fair connected 1,400 individuals to 25 community partners, distributing an impressive array of resources:
- 7,600 books
- 27,950 diapers
- 177 bags of breastfeeding supplies
- 76 portable electric breast pumps
- 94 hemoglobin screenings
These numbers underscore WIC’s role as a cornerstone in the lives of many families, offering more than just nutritional support but a comprehensive network of care.
Latch On: Celebrating Public Breastfeeding
In a joyful display of solidarity, PHFE WIC also hosted its inaugural “Latch On” event, where over 100 proud parents gathered to breastfeed publicly, share experiences, and support one another. This event aimed to normalize breastfeeding in the community and create a memorable experience for all involved.
The Ongoing Commitment of PHFE WIC
August, recognized as National Breastfeeding Month, carries the 2024 theme “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive,” a call to action that resonates deeply with the mission of WIC. This year’s celebration and resource fair reflected WIC’s ongoing commitment to being a vital part of every parent’s support system, offering services through phone, online, virtual, and in-person channels.
As we also celebrated World Breastfeeding Week from August 1-7, with the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” WIC reaffirmed its dedication to improving breastfeeding support across our communities.
PHFE WIC’s Annual Breastfeeding Month Resource Fair is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the power of community, the importance of connection, and the impact of collective efforts in supporting families. Thank you to the dedicated WIC staff, community partners, and families who made this celebration a resounding success. Together, we are nourishing, sustaining, and helping our communities thrive.
