Meeting Mothers Where They Are: Proposal to Implement Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Employees at the Pediatric and Obstetric Clinics at the Martin Luther King Jr Healthcare Center

Black mothers and infants face disproportionately high rates of food insecurity, adverse birth outcomes, and systemic barriers to maternal resources. Historical discrimination and inadequate access have fostered deep distrust in government programs, contributing to lower WIC enrollment among eligible Black mothers. In Southern Los Angeles County, increasing WIC participation is critical to improving maternal and infant health. Implementing targeted WIC outreach in pediatric and obstetric clinics at the Martin Luther King Jr. Healthcare Center (MLKHC) presents an opportunity to address these disparities through culturally competent approaches that foster trust and accessibility. Evaluation will assess the impact of clinic-based outreach on WIC participation, food security, and continuation of government assistance. By identifying barriers and outreach strategies, this aims to develop sustainable interventions that bridge racial and economic gaps in maternal nutrition programs. Findings will inform recommendations to enhance WIC accessibility and ensure more Black mothers and infants receive essential nutritional support.