Write a commentThanks to the efforts of Oswego County Opportunities and the New York State WIC Program, children and their families will soon be able enjoy the process of growing and eating their own fresh vegetable
As part of its Healthy Lifestyles initiative WIC is providing children with the seeds and soil they need to grow their own vegetables. With its emphasis on nutrition education and healthy food choices the planting project is a way to encourage participants to add fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet. Supplies and information are available at all WIC locations.
“The children are excited about the thought of growing their own fruit and vegetables,” said Alicia Handville, a member of WIC’s Nutrition Support staff. “We have had tremendous support from a variety of local businesses that graciously donated the seeds, soil and starter pots we needed to get the program underway. It would not have been possible without the support we received from Ontario Orchards, Price Chopper in Fulton, Target, and both the Oswego and Fulton Walmart. This project is a fun way to increase a child’s interest in fruits and vegetables. They will be more apt to try what they have spent time caring for and introduce new fruits and vegetables into their diet.”
WIC encourages it participants to support local farmers by purchasing fruits and vegetables at their local farmers market. WIC issues checks specifically for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables and provides participants with annual vouchers to be used at a farmers market.
Another aspect of WIC’s Healthy Lifestyles initiative is an effort to increase the awareness of the WIC program and the many benefits it provides for participants. Handville, along with WIC Nutritionist Ashley Ward have been attending health fairs throughout Oswego County and WIC staff participated in the Independence Day Parade in Oswego.
“We have also been collaborating with the Oswego Walmart to introduce ‘Weigh-in Wednesday.’ On the first Wednesday of each month WIC staff will be on site to weigh children up to 5 years of age and provide parents and caregivers with information on the healthy eating and the WIC program. Weigh-In Wednesdays are not limited to WIC participants, and child up to 5 years of age is welcome,” explained Handville.
Administered locally through OCO, the New York State WIC program provides women, infants and children with supplemental food and nutrition education. The program serves pre-natal, breast-feeding, post-partum women (up to six months) and infants and children up to the age of five. Nutrition education and breastfeeding education is the main focus of the WIC program.
“At every appointment WIC participants meet with a staff nutritionist to educate them on the importance of a healthy diet for themselves and their children. Our goal is to educate and empower participants. While there are approximately 3,000 women and children participating in the WIC program there are many more that benefit greatly from WIC. We want to make all moms aware of WIC and how it can benefit their families. WIC is a hand-up, not a hand-out,” added Ward.
In addition to WIC’s main office at 10 George Street, inside OCO’s medical services building, the WIC program is available at seven other sites throughout Oswego County:
• The Ringgold Fire Station, 12 Lake Street in Pulaski
• Believer’s Chapel, 614 South 4th Street in Fulton
• The Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive in Sandy Creek
• The Baptist Church, 701 North Main Street in Central Square
• The Hastings Fire Station, 1994 US Route 11 in Hastings
• The Phoenix Fire Station, 457 Main Street in Phoenix
• The Church of God, 11 South Jefferson Street in Mexico
Appointments are preferred and may be made by calling 315-343-1311.
Did you know ... Oswego County Opportunities is celebrating 50 years of service to the Oswego County community in 2016! To learn more about OCO’s past, present and future, visit www.oco.org.
