Health and Safety Code section 123285

As used in this article, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)

“Health professional” means a physician and surgeon, registered nurse, nutritionist, dietitian, or state or local medically trained health official, who is competent to professionally evaluate nutritional need and to authorize supplemental foods, as determined by the state department.

(b)

“Low income” means an income of not more than 185 percent of the poverty level as determined by the federal poverty income guidelines promulgated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

(c)

“Recipient” means low-income pregnant women, low-income post partum and lactating women, and low-income infants and children under five years of age, who are determined to be at nutritional risk by a health professional, based on criteria established by the state department.

(d)

“Nutrition coupon” means a check that is limited as to value, food type, and food quantity and that has a limited period of validity.

(e)

“WIC Program” means the California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Source: Section 123285, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=123285.­ (updated Sep. 29, 2012; accessed Jul. 6, 2026).

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Verified:
Jul. 6, 2026

§ 123285's source at ca​.gov