If giving diet advice seems complicated, consider a simple approach: "Eat Right With Color", the theme of the 2011 American Dietetic Association’s National Nutrition Month® campaign. Not only does eating a variety of colorful foods diversify the vitamins and minerals in your diet, it also means that you are likely filling your plate with more fruits and vegetables, which are low in calories and high in fiber.
“I’m asking the medical community to join together to promote this simple health message in March,” stated Lillian Rivera, RN, MSN, PhD, Administrator for the Miami-Dade County Health Department (MDCHD).
To align with health guidelines, did you know that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) changed its food package to include fruits and vegetables, low fat milk, soy products and whole wheat bread? WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum and breast feeding women, infants, and children under age five.
Registered Dietitian Victoria Martinez explains, “The new food packages match the nutrition education messages we teach in the WIC offices, added needed nutrients and fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and are lower in fat and cholesterol.”
The MDCHD WIC Program is the largest in Florida reaching 72,000 clients a month at 15 locations with services provided Monday through Saturday. Sites are staffed with professional registered and licensed dietitians, breastfeeding peer counselors, board certified lactation consultants (IBCLC), and support staff.
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, individualized counseling, breastfeeding education and support, and referrals to health and other social services to participants at no charge. “We encourage breastfeeding and MDCHD WIC is the place where mothers get support with lactation,” states Cheryl Lorie, IBCLC. “We answer our breastfeeding helpline (786) 336-1336, evenings and weekends.”
To be eligible to qualify for WIC, a client must be at or below 185% of the poverty guidelines and have a nutritional risk. National studies demonstrate participation in WIC, especially during pregnancy, saves money. The Medicaid cost savings in Florida is estimated as $2.3 million.
