VERMONT WIC'S E-NEWSLETTER MAY 2020

Keeping you up-to-date on events, nutrition and health information, recipes and new products.

Fit WIC Fun Activities

Keeping kids active when you’re stuck inside can be hard. With playgrounds and other public play spaces closed, it's important to find other activities. Here are some ideas to change up the routine and keep them moving. Inside: Dance party Animal walk (walk, hop, gallop like different animals) Simon Says Obstacle course (crawl through boxes, hop from pillow to pillow) Yoga Outside: Chase bubbles (dish soap and water for homemade bubble mix) Hopscotch Red Light, Green Light Toss or kick a ball Crab walk Hula hoop For more ideas, check out the Fit WIC Activity Book.

FIT WIC ACTIVITY BOOK

WIC Shopping Made Easier

We know that grocery shopping, including for WIC foods, can be more challenging during COVID-19, when you're trying to follow recommendations for Stay Home, Stay Safe, including going out only for essentials, social distancing, and wearing a cloth face covering. Some families may have extra worries about staying safe because of health concerns for themselves or a family member, or because shopping and trying to follow recommendations to stay safe are not always easy with young children in tow. We understand. One possible solution is having what WIC calls a proxy to shop for your family. A proxy is a trusted family member, neighbor or friend who can take your WIC card to the grocery store and shop for you. You will have to provide this person with the PIN number for your WIC card. If you have any questions about using a proxy, contact your local WIC office. Remember the WICShopper app is a helpful tool while shopping. WIC is here for you and your family now and in the days ahead.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL WIC OFFICE

Helpful Shopping Plan

Limiting outings and only going out for essentials, including grocery shopping, is part of Stay Home, Stay Safe. It’s helpful to have about a 2-week (or 14-day) supply of food stored at your home to last until the next time you're able to get out for groceries. The University of Vermont Extension's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) has created some tips and a shopping list to make shopping and stocking your shelves a little easier. It even includes recipes. Ask your local WIC Nutritionist if you are interested in finding out more about EFNEP's programs.

14-DAY SHOPPING PLAN

Feeding Your Family

Many families are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Does your family have a change in income? Do you need more food resources to feed your family? The following food resources may be available to your family. Meals for Families with Young Children Every school district and supervisory union in the state is providing FREE meals to all children 18 and under through the end of the school year. You do not have to already have a child in the public school system to access these meals.  Dial 2-1-1 or go to the USDA Meals For Kids Site Finder to find out how you can get nutritious meals for your children 0-18 years old, and for information on summer meals. 3SquaresVT You may be eligible to receive a 3SquaresVT (also known as SNAP) food shopping benefit or increase the benefit you already receive. To find out more and get help applying dial  2-1-1  or text ‘VFBSNAP’ to 855-11 .   School Meal Application If you have school-aged children and you didn’t submit a school meal application for this year, or if your finances have recently changed, you can complete a school meal application. Families that are approved for free school meals also qualify for an additional food shopping benefit called Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) that will be available soon. Vermont Foodbank Network The Vermont Foodbank is dedicated to supporting Vermonters during all times of need. To get help with food during this time of crisis, including food shelves in your area, visit vtfoodbank.org/gethelp or call 1-800-585-2265 .

MORE INFORMATION ON FEEDING YOUR FAMILY

Kitchen Scrap Gardening

Did you know it's possible to grow plants from kitchen scraps? This is a fun activity for kids, using kitchen leftovers, like carrot tops or old cloves of garlic. Check out the link below to start growing your own kitchen scrap indoor garden. KIDS GARDENING

Coping with Stress During COVID-19

This is a stressful time. For helpful information about coping with family stress during COVID-19, visit the Vermont Department of Health website.

COPING WITH FAMILY STRESS

WIC is here for your family. Visit our website for program updates and information.

HEALTHVERMONT.GOV/WIC

Look for a text from us with a link to a survey to tell us how you think WIC is doing during COVID-19.

Refer a Friend to WIC!

Know a friend who isn't working now or has had a change in income and might be interested in WIC?  Tell them about us! It's easy to sign up for Vermont WIC. Check out Apply to WIC to start an application online or text VTWIC to 855-11 .* *Standard message & data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt­‐out (to stop receiving text messages). HELP for help. See  e nd user privacy and terms and conditions . APPLY TO WIC

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Vermont WIC | healthvermont.gov/wic Th is institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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