WIC is encouraging healthy lifestyles

ROME — March is National Nutrition Month, and the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District remind us that some of the very best foodand-nutrition expertise available in Northwest Georgia is offered to clients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children by 23 nutritionists, ten of whom are Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, who serve the community through local county health departments.

WIC is a federally funded program generally available to low-income individuals and families who are at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

“Among other s er- vices, WIC provides supplemental foods designed to meet the special nutritional needs of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, nonbreastfeeding postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk,” explained Northwest Health District WIC Nutrition Services Director Cicely Thomas.

“Our WIC nutritionists and RDNs are educated, trained, and trusted experts committed to improving the health of their clients and communities through food and nutrition. One of our foremost goals is to ensure that all Northwest Georgia children have access to the nutritious foods they need to get a good start in life.”

Throughout the year, WIC nutritionists and RDNs strive to communicate healthy eating messages that emphasize a balance of food and beverages to provide the body what it needs.

The total diet or overall pattern of food eaten is the most important focus of healthy eating, Thomas said.

“Most favorite foods can fit within this pattern if eaten in moderation with appropriate portion size and physical activity,” she said.

“There can be a misperc eption t hat eating healthfully means giving up your favorite foods,” Thomas said. “But maintaining good health is not about a specific food, meal, or time of year, rather, a life- long balance of healthy behaviors that leaves plenty of time for the foods and ac- tivities we love.”

WIC clients receive vouchers to buy healthy foods from WIC- authorized vendors. In addition, t hey r eceive education on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

WIC clients also receive support and information about breastfeeding and help in finding health care and other community services.

You can take the online WIC Eligibility Assessment to see if you qualify or contact the WIC office at your local health department to make an appointment and find out which documents you will need to bring with you. At your appointment, WIC staff will check to see if you and your family qualify.