Throughout March, we celebrated National Nutrition Month with the theme “Beyond the Table.” The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes Registered Dietitians (RDs) and nutritionists as food and nutrition experts who provide counseling on nutrition-related issues and healthy eating habits to promote health and manage disease. Dietitians and nutritionists work in various settings, such as healthcare centers, businesses, schools, and other community and public health settings. Mary’s Center provides an opportunity to meet with these nutrition experts conveniently located at the WIC program.
The dietitians and nutritionists at the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provide nutrition education and counseling for eligible parties that live within the District of Columbia. Throughout the yearly certification, WIC participants will receive group or online nutrition education and/or individual counseling up to four times yearly. The RDs and nutritionists can help create meal plans to support the WIC food package. On Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, Mary’s Center Ontario Road WIC staff provided WIC participants and members of the Briya Public Charter School with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, garlic, onions, etc. As well as nutritious food benefits, nutritionists at the WIC program can connect breastfeeding participants with lactation support to help families reach their nutrition and breastfeeding goals.
The theme of National Nutrition Month 2024, “Beyond the Table,” focuses on the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition. This year’s theme provides support for navigating grocery stores and Farmer’s Markets with a concentration on sustainability. The WIC benefit package includes a variety of foods that focus on target nutrients to support the WIC families. Some of the WIC-approved food categories also include organic products, such as eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and milk. Organic farming reduces pollution in rivers and waterways, compared to conventional farming. With the purchase of organic products, WIC participants can promote environmental stability and reduce the intake of harmful chemicals and pesticides that may come from conventional farming.
As your family grows, Mary’s Center WIC is here to support you and your family to better health through innovative information and healthy food choices. From birth to five years old, the WIC program encourages balanced diets and makes healthy food options available within your family’s budget. Mary’s Center WIC dietitians and nutritionists are here to help you find nutrition sources Beyond the Table! Ask your WIC nutritionist about WIC-approved organic products!