WIC Clinic Announces “Healthier Foods”-Food Package Changes
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Oct 1, 2009, 0 Comments
Laredo, TX–The City of Laredo Health Department WIC Program will offer new, healthier foods to its participants starting October 1, 2009 as major improvements to the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program are rolled out across the state.
WIC is adding fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and baby foods to the list of foods women, infants and children receive under the program. This is part of a new change from the US Department of Agriculture. “The new package has less fat, more fiber and more nutritional variety,” said Nora Martinez, MPH, RLC, IBCLC, Chief, Nutrition Services Division & Local WIC Director “The idea is to help people make smarter, healthier choices for their families.”
Other changes include an emphasis on lower fat milk rather than whole milk for children 2 and older and decreased amounts of juice, cheese and eggs for women and children. There will be increased food benefits for breastfeeding women. Soy milk and tofu will be available for those who have a diagnosed allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk or a dietary preference for soy products.
The CLHD WIC Program served more than 335,000 persons in Webb County in 2008 qualifying pregnant and nursing women and children up to age 5 with nutrition education, breastfeeding counseling and food benefits. Over 1 million women, infants and young children participate in the program statewide.
Texas and other states are implementing the federal changes to give people healthier, more diverse options and to encourage breastfeeding.
Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, Director, City of Laredo Health Department, said “In our community that faces an epidemic with obesity and diabetes, this change along with other prevention services like Bienestar and Buena Vida, will make an important effort towards wellness and health improvement of the many families on WIC”.
Please Note: WIC Clinics will be closed on Thursday, October 1, 2009 through Friday, October 2, 2009 to make the transition to the new healthier food package. Regular WIC services will resume Monday, October 5, 2009.
