In December, the Addison Council was visited by Jeffrey Heath, RN Public Health Nurse, Supervisor Vermont Department of Health and Jessica Doos, Public Health Nurse, Maternal Child Health Coordinator, Vermont Department of Health. They informed the council of the many ways the Health Department supports mothers, children, and families. Council members learned more about the critical programs and services of the Health Department outlined below and reflected on how they could promote access to these opportunities among the families served by the various agencies and organizations around the table.
WIC
WIC offers healthy food, nutrition activities, breastfeeding support and more! WIC offers families with children under the age of 5, who are Vermont residents and meet the income guidelines; food, nutrition activities, breastfeeding support and more. If you participate in Dr. Dynasaur, Medicaid, Reach Up, or 3SquaresVT you and your child are automatically eligible for WIC. The program no longer uses home delivery but a simple card that can be swiped at local grocery stores.
Families can apply for benefits at any time. The WIC prescreening tool can help to determine if a family is eligible. While WIC stands for women, infants, and children, the program is available to fathers, grandparents and foster parents as well. They can apply for children who are in their care. When a family receives WIC, they get the personalized support they need during critical periods of growth and development. WIC also offers certified lactation consultations for new mothers and breast pump programs. WIC has the resources and tools to help families see their children succeed.
Baby Showers
In Middlebury, the Health Department also offers a quarterly baby shower, where expectant parents can join the breastfeeding peer counselors for an hour of fun games; delicious food; and shopping for books, clothes, and other baby essentials. While there, participants can learn about ways to prepare for your baby’s first 10 days. These fun mornings offer a way to meet other new and expecting parents. The event is free and open to all.
Gardening
Linda King offers gardening tips for early ed programs and families along with support from planting through harvest. Growing your own veggies can be fun, healthy, and economical. Join gardening expert Linda King to learn how even with small spaces you can grow your own delicious vegetables. Sign up by calling 388-5743.
Farmers Market
The Farm-to-Family Program gives WIC families coupons for free, locally grown, fresh vegetables and fruits from participating farmers’ markets around the state. WIC participants over the age of 6 months are eligible for Farm-to-Family coupons that are available on a first come, first serve basis. There is a $60 maximum benefit per family. You can contact your local WIC office to find out about Farm-to-Family activities and pick up your coupons, which also count towards your WIC Nutrition Activity.
To find more information contact:
Middlebury WIC
802-388-4644
Fax 802-388-4610
WIC clinics in Middlebury, Bristol, and Vergennes
