Getting kids to eat healthy is hard, especially for busy moms. The Arizona WIC program now offers new foods to help families provide nutritious meals.
Yogurt, whole wheat pasta, and new brands of cereal and baby foods for older babies are now available through the WIC program. The full list of foods includes many fresh, frozen and canned vegetables, milks, cheeses, and cereals. WIC foods are healthy for moms, babies, and preschoolers and are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Helping choose healthy foods is only one of the ways WIC helps families. WIC moms learn what to eat while pregnant or breastfeeding and how to feed their growing kids, especially picky eaters. Moms get WIC checks that can be used at grocery stores and farmers’ markets to buy healthy foods for their family. WIC helps moms with breastfeeding, too.
Moms do a lot and WIC is there to help a little. Many families do not realize they can participate in the WIC program, even after their baby turns one. Spread the word, encourage all the moms you know with kids under age five to visit www.azwic.gov today and find out if they are eligible.
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S. became Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services in May 2015. Dr. Christ has served the agency for more than nine years. Among her many accomplishments at ADHS, Dr. Christ collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to develop strategic plans for infectious disease prevention and control including the Governor’s Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. She was involved in leading statewide efforts during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and worked with partners to find solutions to improve childhood vaccination programs. In 2012, Dr. Christ managed the development and implementation of 20 Articles of Arizona Administrative Code for Health Care Institutions allowing integration of physical and behavioral health services statewide. Dr. Christ obtained her master's degree in microbiology with an emphasis in molecular virology and public health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Follow the Director on Twitter @DrCaraChrist.
Thanks for the information! WIC program is a great way to build a healthy community. I think it’s very important to give kids the nutrition they need by getting them to eat a diet of healthy, whole foods and vegetables. But, eating well can be hard at times, especially when family schedules are hectic and grab-and-go convenience food is readily available in the market. This initiative by WIC program will definitely help families choose healthy food for their kids.
The addition of milk, eggs, beans, cereals and peanut butter from WIC made a big difference.