For more information contact:
Heidi Staats, BA, TLSW
WV WIC State Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 304-558-7145
e-mail: heidistaats@wvdhhr.org


 

For immediate release

West Virginia WIC Program Urges Everyone to Celebrate National Nutrition Month and
Step Up to Nutrition and Health 

March is National Nutrition Month. The West Virginia WIC Program, which serves approximately 50,000 women, infants and children each month, will be offering community celebrations for families to Step Up to Nutrition and Health.
Through National Nutrition Month, created in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association, organizations, companies and communities promote healthful eating. The campaign’s focus is to provide practical nutrition guidance while focusing attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound physical activity habits.
Remember these National Nutrition Month key messages to eat smart and stay active this month and all year long:

• The food and physical activity choices you make today – and every day – affect your health and how you feel today and in the future. Eating right and being physically active are keys to a healthy lifestyle.

• Make smart choices from every food group. Give your body the balanced nutrition it needs by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods every day. Just be sure to stay within your daily calorie needs.

• Get the most nutrition out of your calories. Choose the most nutritionally rich foods you can from each food group – those packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but lower in calories.

• Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness. It helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

• Play it safe with foods. Prepare, handle and store food properly to keep you and your family safe.

Food, nutrition counseling, and access to health services are provided to low-to-middle-income women, infants, and children by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, popularly known as WIC. With the program’s mission to safeguard the health of West Virginia’s families, the information received by clinic staff offers a strong start needed for the best future.
 

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