For the second consecutive year, the Salt River WIC program hosted a special celebration for dads called Pop’s Pop-Up on June 12 in the lobby of the River People Health Center. WIC originally planned for 50 guests, but welcomed 73 attendees.

The two-hour, family-centered outreach event highlighted how the WIC program supports wellness and child development. Fathers had the opportunity to check their children’s height, weight and hemoglobin measurements as part of WIC’s standard health screening tools, which helps tailor information to support the needs of each family.

Since services can now be completed over the phone, WIC clients have up to 60 days after applying to provide these measurements.

Community Health and Nutrition Supervisor Maggie Fisher, MS, RDN, CDCES, said that outreach efforts like this event foster connections and facilitate meaningful interactions with the Community.

“[These events] can drive positive change because attendees obtain wellness-promoting information from those they trust,” Fisher said.

“One of WIC’s goals is to help families feel their best.”

Pops and other guardians tried healthier meal options, such as kebabs with chicken, vegetables, or fruit, and were encouraged to drink more water over other beverage choices. A photo booth was also set up for families capture memories.

Fisher said that one of the health topics taught to fathers this year was to inform them about how to track their child’s milestones and to know when to seek help for their child as needed.

The idea originated from the WIC team’s attendance at the 2025 NWA (National WIC Association) Annual Education and Training Conference, where they learned about the importance of using the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign resources to support patients in their child’s development.

As part of participating in the event, attendees received small incentives: a stone bracelet with a wellness-promoting message and an all-in-one universal socket handyman tool, which Fisher said is a practical and thoughtful gift symbolizing the many roles that fathers play in their families’ well-being.

“These incentives served as both gifts of appreciation and functional takeaways to keep families engaged in health and wellness,” said Fisher.