VERMONT WIC'S E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

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

Improving Health Through Gratitude

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

During the pandemic, with so many changes and stresses in our daily lives, it may be hard to find gratitude. Research shows that there are both emotional and physical health benefits to being grateful. Children and adults who express gratitude tend to be more satisfied with their lives and feel more hopeful and happier. If we focus on being grateful for what we do have right now, however small those things may seem, that can help us through this challenging time. Teaching children to say “thank you” is one way to help build a habit of gratitude in your family. And here are some more tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Vermonters (1 in 3) are at risk for food insecurity. If your financial situation has recently changed, you may now qualify for Vermont nutrition and food programs in addition to WIC, which can help keep food on the table such as 3SquaresVT. Eating nourishing foods is important for us all, especially during times of stress. Contact your local WIC office or Vermont 2-1-1 for information about these programs.

FOOD FOR YOUR FAMILY

With winter’s shorter days, it’s hard to get enough vitamin D from the sun. WIC foods, including milk, egg yolks, and even mushrooms, contain vitamin D. Vitamin D helps keep bones and teeth strong, and helps immune cells work better. Stay strong, stay healthy, with WIC foods.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Here's a recipe with vitamin D-rich foods including eggs and mushrooms that you can make with freshly cooked rice, although if you use leftover rice, it fries better because it's drier.

Makes 4 Servings Ingredients 2 cups cooked brown rice* 1 tablespoon canola oil 1, 16-ounce package of extra firm, cubed tofu* 3/4 cup chopped mushrooms* 3 thinly sliced green onions* 1 cup diced carrot* 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 1, 8-ounce can crushed pineapple* 2 scrambled and cooked eggs* Instructions Cook brown rice according to the directions on the package. Heat oil in non-stick pan over medium heat. Add tofu. Then add chopped mushrooms, green onions, carrots, and soy sauce. Sauté until tender but still crisp. Stir in rice. Add crushed pineapple and scrambled eggs. Stir and sauté until warm, remove from heat, and serve. Nutrition information per serving: calories 320, protein 16 grams, carbohydrates 40 grams, fat 13 grams, sodium 480 milligrams, dietary fiber 5 grams, vitamin D 1 microgram, 5% Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet *WIC foods Recipe and video from wichealth.org Health eKitchen

Health eKitchen

Safer Holidays During COVID-19

STAY SAFE, VERMONT

No one has time for flu. Make time to roll your sleeve up and get your flu vaccine. It’s not too late. Help protect yourself and your family from flu and its potentially serious complications. Contact your health care provider to find out how you or your child can get a flu shot.

Refer a Friend to WIC!

WIC is here to keep your family healthy and strong during COVID-19. Only half of the eligible women, infants and children are currently enrolled in WIC. Do you know someone who may qualify for WIC? Tell them about us! It's easy to sign up for Vermont WIC. Click Apply to WIC to start an application online or text VTWIC to 855-11.* *Standard message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt­‐out (to stop receiving text messages). HELP for help. See end user privacy and terms and conditions.

APPLY TO WIC

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

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