RELEASE: NM WIC earns third consecutive national breastfeeding award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2025

NM WIC earns third consecutive national breastfeeding award

SANTA FE – New Mexico’s WIC program has earned the USDA Breastfeeding Gold Award of Excellence for the third consecutive year as the state celebrates World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7.

The New Mexico Women, Infants, and Children (NM WIC) program is using World Breastfeeding Week to highlight the importance of breastfeeding in promoting the health and well-being of infants, children, and families. This year's global theme is "Prioritizing Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems."

"WIC supports breastfeeding families from the very beginning,” said Kendall Pluta , NM WIC state breastfeeding manager. “From peer counselors to lactation consultants, nutrition education to community partnerships, NM WIC provides the support parents need to breastfeed successfully.”

Across New Mexico, local NM WIC offices will host events and share resources to support breastfeeding families during the observance week, helping them connect to guidance, tools, and community.

New Mexico WIC serves about 518,400 families statewide each year. The program offers free breastfeeding support, healthy food, nutrition counseling, and referrals to health and social services for eligible women, infants, and children. WIC’s breastfeeding services are tailored to meet families where they are, with culturally responsive care and personalized support.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham honored the observance by issuing an official proclamation recognizing World Breastfeeding Week in New Mexico. This proclamation acknowledges the essential role breastfeeding plays in improving maternal and child health and reaffirms the state’s commitment to supporting families through programs like WIC.

To learn more about breastfeeding support and services available through New Mexico WIC, visit nmwic.org or call your local WIC office .

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NMHealth

David Barre, Communications Coordinator | david.barre@doh.nm.gov | (505) 699-9237

NMHealth works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.

New Mexico Department of Health | 1190 S St Francis Dr | Santa Fe, NM 87505 US

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