WIC Families Develop Healthy Eating Habits
This vital program helps families embrace nutrition and build sustainable habits.
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is not merely a resource for nutritious foods. It’s a gateway to better health and a brighter future for families. WIC empowers families to make informed decisions regarding nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Understanding WIC
The WIC program supports pregnant women, new mothers, and young children by ensuring access to nutritious food and practical information. Participants include income-eligible women, infants, and children up to age five.
Many recognize WIC as a supplemental food source. However, its emphasis on nutrition education and healthy eating habits makes WIC a powerful family and community resource.
Learning the Basics of Nutrition
WIC provides families with nutrition counseling tailored to their unique needs and interests. Nutrition and health professionals help pregnant women and new mothers understand the value of balanced diets. They can also guide parents in making healthier choices for their children.
WIC offers online and in-person education on meal planning, reading food labels, and preparing balanced meals. This information helps participants make smart decisions when purchasing and preparing food.
Access to Nutritious Foods
WIC helps families put nutritional knowledge into practice through access to healthy foods. Participants receive electronic benefits to buy healthy foods, which include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy products
- Lean proteins
WIC encourages families to incorporate a variety of foods into their meals. This is especially important for young children, whose early exposure to a nutritious diet often shapes their eating habits throughout life.
Building Long-Term Healthy Habits
One of WIC’s greatest strengths is its focus on long-term success. The program equips parents with skills that last a lifetime. These skills include how to:
- Plan meals.
- Prepare food efficiently.
- Stretch their grocery budgets while prioritizing nutrition.
The benefits of these skills extend well beyond the duration of the program. WIC families often maintain healthy eating habits beyond program participation. This ripple effect strengthens communities and contributes to a healthier future for everyone.
How to Get Started with WIC
Enrolling in WIC is simple. Pregnant women, moms, dads, extended family, and guardians of under 5 can check program guidelines through their local WIC office or the program’s website.
Moultrie County residents can contact the WIC office located at the health department. You can phone the office at (217) 728-4114, M-F, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Once enrolled, participants can access WIC resources, including local nutrition and health professionals, food benefits, and nutritional education.
A Lasting Impact
The WIC program isn’t just about food—it’s about building a foundation for healthier lives. It offers education, support, and access to nutritious food. Furthermore, it helps families develop beneficial health habits for years to come.
The WIC program is a lifeline for families seeking to improve their health. Its comprehensive approach helps ensure parents and caregivers have the tools to succeed. Moreover, it has a lasting impact on the well-being of our children and communities.
Take the first step toward healthier living by exploring the benefits of WIC today. Your family’s health and future are worth it.