National Nutrition Month: Growing Healthy Families with WIC

By Samantha Simmons, MS

For many families, providing healthy meals is one of the most meaningful ways to care for loved ones and help children grow strong. But for others, access to nutritious foods, reliable nutrition information, or breastfeeding support can sometimes feel out of reach. Here in Burke County, families come from many different backgrounds and life experiences, and not everyone has the same access to the resources that support healthy nutrition. Programs like WIC help bridge that gap by providing support, education, and tools that make healthy choices easier for families.

Why Nutrition Matters from the Very Beginning

Good nutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood plays a powerful role in lifelong health. During these early stages, children’s bodies and brains are growing rapidly. The nutrients they receive support everything from brain development and a healthy immune system to strong bones and long-term learning.

Across the United States, the WIC program plays a critical role in supporting families during the early stages of life. Each month, WIC serves more than 6.7 million women, infants, and children nationwide, helping ensure they have access to healthy foods and reliable nutrition guidance. Studies show that participation in WIC is linked to healthier pregnancies, improved birth outcomes, and better growth and development for young children. 

At the local level, the Burke County WIC program supports over 2,300 moms, infants, and children each month. This assistance helps families access nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and education that promotes healthy growth and development during these important early years. 

Despite the importance of nutrition, many families face real barriers in providing balanced meals. Rising grocery prices, limited access to fresh foods, busy schedules, and confusing nutritional information can make healthy eating feel overwhelming. Parents and caregivers often juggle work, childcare, school schedules, and many other responsibilities, leaving little time to focus on meal planning or nutrition education. 

How WIC Helps Families Thrive 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC, supports pregnant individuals, new mothers, infants, and children under the age of five during some of the most important stages of growth and development. The program is designed to help families build a strong foundation for lifelong health during these critical early years. 

WIC helps families access nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, and infant foods that support healthy growth. In addition to food benefits, the program provides personalized nutrition counseling, breastfeeding education and support, child growth monitoring, and referrals to healthcare providers and other community resources that support the well-being of the entire family. 

At Burke County WIC, one of the most valuable parts of the program is the individualized nutrition education families receive. Our nutrition staff meets one-on-one with participants to answer questions, discuss everyday challenges, and offer practical tips that fit each family’s lifestyle and cultural preferences. These conversations help parents feel more confident about feeding themselves and their children while learning simple, realistic ways to support healthy habits at home. 

By combining healthy food benefits with education and personal support, WIC empowers families with the knowledge and resources they need to help their children grow, develop, and thrive. 

One of the most impactful components of WIC is its focus on breastfeeding support. Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for both mothers and babies, including strengthening a baby’s immune system, promoting healthy growth and development, and reducing the risk of certain illnesses later in life. 

Burke County WIC supports families in multiple ways, including breastfeeding education during appointments, access to trained lactation staff, encouragement from breastfeeding peer counselors, and breastfeeding supplies, including pumps, for qualifying mothers. 

Because of its strong commitment to supporting breastfeeding families, Burke County WIC was recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the Breastfeeding Award of Excellence and named a Gold Awardee. This national recognition highlights the dedication of the Burke County WIC team in providing high-quality breastfeeding education, encouragement, and support to families throughout our community. 

Small Steps, Big Nutrition Wins 

Healthy eating does not have to be complicated or perfect. Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference for families. 

Planning simple meals that include a fruit or vegetable, a protein source, and a whole grain can help create balanced nutrition. Keeping healthy snacks like apples, bananas, yogurt, or cut vegetables easily available can encourage better choices throughout the day. Even small changes, like choosing water more often or trying a new vegetable each week, can support healthier lifestyles. 

Getting children involved can also make nutrition more fun. Allowing kids to help pick fruits and vegetables at the store, wash produce or stir ingredients during meal preparation can build excitement around trying new foods and create positive lifelong habits. 

Nutrition Is a Community Effort and Local 

National Nutrition Month reminds us that nutrition is about more than food; it’s about access, education, and community support. Programs like WIC connect families with trained nutrition professionals who can answer questions, provide encouragement, and support parents through pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. 

In communities like Burke County, these services help ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong. When families have access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and trusted guidance, the entire community benefits. 

If you think you or someone you know may qualify for WIC services, help is available. Contact the Burke County WIC office at 828-764-9207 to learn more about eligibility and how the program can support your family. 

Healthy communities begin with healthy families. National Nutrition Day is a chance to celebrate the power of good nutrition, the impact of programs like WIC, and the dedicated professionals working every day to support the health of families across Burke County. 

Reference: 2024 STATE OF WIC REPORT COVERS