March is National Nutrition Month
By Summer Hargreaves, RD, LD/N, CLC. Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” underscores the essential role that food plays in building community bonds and promoting health. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) plays a vital role in enhancing community health by providing essential nutritional support and education to low-income families.
By providing access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals, WIC helps improve the diet quality of pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, which can lead to improved pregnancy outcomes and healthy child development. WIC nurtures families while fostering a sense of community, it improves individual health outcomes by reducing food insecurity and promotes dietary diversity while strengthening community ties by connecting families to local resources and strengthening social networks.
In essence, WIC serves as a cornerstone for public health initiatives, aiding in the prevention of chronic diseases and nurturing the well-being of future generations. To learn more about the WIC program, make an appointment, or receive breastfeeding help, visit the Florida Health Department of Health in Pinellas County website or contact the call center at 727-824-6913 or 727-824-6914.
