WIC regularly collects extensive information about WIC families in an administrative database that includes socio-demographic and health information for the duration of WIC services (from the prenatal period through the child’s 5th birthday).
Through this partnership, two valuable sources of data that have developed include:
- the administrative data of all seven local WIC agencies in L.A. County, and
- the triennial Los Angeles County WIC Survey (2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020) to collect information to better understand health outcomes and factors associated with the well-being of WIC families.
Together, these data sources inform and provide comprehensive information to health planners, policy makers and community leaders about local families in need – a crucial first step to better serving this vulnerable population.
By Topic
Demographics
In 2018, WIC served approximately half of all children under age 5 in Los Angeles County. This includes more than 300,000 individuals–over 257,000 young children and nearly 61,000 pregnant and post-partum women.
Feeding & Nutrition
WIC provides healthy foods and nutrition education tailored to meet the needs of mothers and their children during pregnancy, infancy and childhood. WIC food packages and supports have increased breastfeeding and consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy among WIC participants.
Health of Women and Children
In addition to providing nutritious foods, WIC supports healthier pregnancies and births by encouraging healthy practices, referring mothers for health care, connecting families to community resources, and promoting family wellbeing.
Early Care & Education
Sound investments that promote early learning, development, and resilience in early childhood can strengthen the foundations of physical and mental health, preparing children for success in school and throughout life.
Housing & Home Environments
Safe, stable housing is an essential need, but eludes too many families. LA WIC research shows that over 3 in 10 low income families experience extreme housing instability (i.e., required to double up with others) while over 1 in 10 have experienced homelessness or an extreme risk, such as being forced from their home due to inability to pay.
Community Assets
Access to safe neighborhoods, parks, and healthy community conditions are important foundations for wellbeing.
By Region
While your interest may be in L.A. County as a whole, given the size of L.A. County, all data available for L.A. County are also available by region. The regions available include Service Planning Area, Supervisorial District and Best Start Community.
Service Planning Areas (SPAs)
LA County is comprised of eight Service Planning Areas, or SPAs. These designated regions are used by public and private agencies seeking to provide information and services targeted to the specific needs of residents in these different areas.
Supervisorial Districts
The five elected members of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors oversee executive and legislative matters for the County and its constituent five supervisorial districts.
Best Start Communities
Through Best Start, First 5 LA invests in 14 geographic areas that have faced historic disenfranchisement and oppression through political, economic, social and environmental factors that aggravate chronic family stressors such as violence and poverty.