March is National Nutrition Month®

March is National Nutrition Month® which is 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 Food Connects Us, which celebrates how food connects people to their families, friends and cultures.  Preparing and sharing meals together is a way to develop memories, make traditions, and help kids learn about foods.  One benefit for WIC families is getting free nutrition education from a registered dietitian.  Registered WIC dietitians help pregnant moms eat healthy during pregnancy, support moms' breastfeeding journeys, and provide tips on how to navigate a picky eating toddler.  WIC dietitians can also help families utilize their WIC benefits by providing tips on how to use the foods and recipes. 

About WIC
The 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.  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. Families can learn if they qualify by checking the income guidelines. 

LLCHD and Family Service Lincoln are the two local agencies serving Lincoln and Lancaster County. To make an appointment, call LLCHD at 402-441-6200 or Family Service Lincoln at 402-441-8655. 

WIC locations and hours include:  

• Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department – 3131 O Street, 402-441-6200, Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  
• Cornhusker Office – 27th Street and Cornhusker Highway, 402-441-4204, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  
• Mill Towne – 501 S. Seventh Street, 402-441-8655 Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. One Saturday a month, 8 a.m. to noon. Call for the next available date.  
• First United Methodist Church – 2723 N. 50th St., 402-441-8655 One Friday a month, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for next available date.  
• Southern Heights Presbyterian Church – 5750 S. 40th St., 402-441-8655, one Thursday a month, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for next available date. 

Learn more about WIC at lincoln.ne.gov/health or familyservicelincoln.org/wic.  Find a WIC location.