The Ocean County WIC Program continues its annual celebration of National Nutrition Month at the Ocean County Mall-County Connection, located near JC Penney in Toms River, NJ. Staff from the Ocean County WIC Program will be present including a WIC Program Nutritionist, RD and Breastfeeding staff promoting the theme of National Nutrition Month, “Go Further with Food”. The Program Nutritionist will be promoting “Healthy Eating/Healthy Lifestyle” and the benefits of participating in the Ocean County WIC Program. A display and handouts that promote the theme of National Nutrition Month, “Put Your Best Fork Forward”, will demonstrate the benefits ofbreastfeeding and participation in the WIC Program. The dates and the times of this activity will be March 19 and March 21, 2018 from 10:00 am-3:00pm.
Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health remarked: “WIC allows for the provision of vital services within Ocean County to the residents most in need of our attention, compassion, and guidance.” It is our hope that as many eligible people as possible avail themselves ofWIC as nothing is of greater importance than the health of mothers and children in Ocean County.”
WIC, which is an acronym for women, infants and children is a national program designed to help serve the needs of many at-risk residents. According to information highlighted by the United States Department of Agriculture, the WIC target populations are low-income, nutritionally at risk:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women and Nonbreastfeeding postpartum women
- Infants and Children through age 5.
In addition to all the informative health eating and lifestyle tips staff will also be promoting other vital services available to qualified applicants according to Daniel E. Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator.
The following benefits are provided to WIC participants:
- Supplemental nutritious foods
- Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics
- Screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services
Meg McCarthy-Klein, OCHD Nutrition Program Coordinator added, “Feeding a family a health meal on a budget can be challenging but there are solutions. Our nutrition experts will be available during this two day event to educate and offer guidance to get you on the path to a healthier diet and lifestyle.” In the event you have any questions regarding National Nutrition Month or the WIC Program, please call 732-341-9700 or visit www.ochd.org.
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