The Henry and Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare announce that March is National Nutrition Month. Whether it's starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a real difference. Preparing your foods to go further by planning meals and snacks in advance can also help reduce food loss and waste.
The Health Department staff notes that this year’s observance of National Nutrition Month communicates healthful eating messages that emphasize balancing food and beverages within an individual's energy needs, rather than focusing on any one specific food or meal. According to the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, improving overall well-being requires a lifelong commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors, emphasizing lasting and enjoyable eating practices and regular physical activity.
Each March, National Nutrition Month encourages Americans to return to the basics of healthy eating. This year’s theme encourages individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle that is focused on making informed and flavorful food choices and getting daily exercise in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease and many cancers, and promote overall health.
"Knowing which nutrients your body needs, the foods that contain them, and how much fits into your healthy eating plan are all part of making smart and savory choices ," says RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion. “Age, gender, body type, family history, existing health conditions and daily routines all play a factor in determining which foods we should eat more of and which we should avoid when trying to optimize our health.”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents that they offer the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program. The WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
In addition, we remind everyone of the New Illinois WIC EBT Card is available to all WIC participants! This makes WIC Services even more easy for area families to use. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
For more information about the WIC program, Family Case Management Services, or the other Nutrition Education services available through the Health Department call (309) 852-5272 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com to apply for WIC benefits at https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/FormCenter/WIC-10/WIC-Application-Form-65 For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
