Emanuel County Family Connection is part of a cohort to promote the WIC program and provide nutrition education to qualified families. The work has two main goals: to encourage the use of fruit and vegetable vouchers and to encourage families to use their benefits until their child reaches the age of five. Many families stop using their benefits when the child turns one and is no longer on formula. Although the WIC program is a "supplement" program it can provide the families with needed healthy foods to add to other grocery purchases. With today's food costs that has a greater value than ever.
Many families report that they will get milk and eggs regularly with the WIC benefits, but they should also get fresh fruits and vegetables for their young children. Introducing these foods early will set their child on an important path of healthy food choices.
Family Connection sponsors free farmers markets, cooking classes, and a variety of learning activities to promote the WIC program. Recently, a contest of a WIC coloring page was offered to the Early Head Start and Swainsboro Pre- K. Pictured here are three lucky winners of Walmart gift cards.
