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| For more information contact: Joe Thornton For immediate release WIC to promote the importance of reading to children The importance of youth reading is now a part of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ campaign to inform families about the variety of services the Women, Infant and Children’s Program provides. The WIC program has established a book distribution program to the list of benefits provided for children under the age of 5.Beginning Nov. 3, WIC will provide a book to every child who receives WIC benefits and who has a birthday between Nov. 1, 2003 and Oct. 31, 2004. The emphasis behind the book distribution is to encourage parents to read to their children while also promoting the importance of good nutrition. In addition, WIC nutritionists will offer suggestions to parents throughout the year on how they can encourage good eating habits by reading such books as "Gregory the Terrible Eater" and "If You Gave a Mouse a Cookie" to their children. "Every child on WIC who has a birthday in the next year will receive a birthday card in the mail," says Donna Barnhart, state outreach coordinator, WV WIC program. "The card will contain a birthday greeting, age-appropriate reading tips for parents as well as instructions for parents on how to pick up their child’s free story book." The WIC program received special funding from the United States Department of Agriculture to purchase the necessary books for children participating in WIC. The books had to be age-appropriate and be related to food and nutrition. All books were selected by a reading committee established by WIC. In addition to the birthday book, parents will receive a bookmark from USDA called "7 Super Things Parents & Caregivers Can Do." For more information about participation and eligibility for WIC benefits, or to reach a reading committee member, call 304-558-0030. A list of books selected for the reading program will be available in WIC clinics and online at www.wvdhhr.org/ons. – 30 –
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