National Nutrition Month®
March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that focuses on the importance of helping individuals make informed food choices and develop physical activity habits. This year’s theme is Beyond the Table, which addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition and celebrates the various ways families eat -- from home cooked meals to restaurants and schools. Did you know that a benefit of being on WIC is that you get free nutrition education from a registered dietitian? WIC registered dietitians can help you eat healthy during your pregnancy, support your breastfeeding journey, and give you tips on how to navigate your picky eating toddler. Your WIC dietitian can also help you utilize your WIC benefits by providing tips on how to use the foods and recipes.
Celebrating 50 Years
WIC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In 1974, the first WIC clinic opened in Pineville, KY and has grown to serve participants in 89 U.S. States, Tribes, and Territories. For 50 years, WIC has provided healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to tens of millions of families. Today, 6.7 million women, infants, and children are served through the WIC program.
About the LLCHD WIC Program
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. All caregivers who care for a child under 5 years are welcome including moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents, and guardians. LLCHD WIC strengthens families by providing 4 core services: healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health and social services. WIC is the nation’s most successful and cost-effective public health nutrition program. It is a short-term program designed to influence lifetime nutrition and health behaviors of low to moderate income mothers, infants, and children. Studies have shown that women who receive WIC start prenatal care earlier, have fewer premature births, are more likely to breastfeed and have improved diets which leads to healthier weight gain during pregnancy. WIC also helps moms breastfeed longer. Children who receive WIC have improved diets, decreased incidences of iron deficiency anemia, more regular medical care, up to date immunizations, and improved intellectual development that gets them ready for school. Does your family qualify for WIC? Check the income guidelines.
