VERMONT WIC'S E-NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2019
Keeping you up-to-date on events, nutrition and health information, recipes and new products .
DOES YOUR BABY DRINK FORMULA?
New Vermont WIC Foods!
Check out the Vermont WIC Foods guide updated for October 1st! Many new food choices are available, including stage 1 infant foods and additional brands of infant foods, and more options for other foods, including breakfast cereal and yogurt choices. Pick up a print copy at your local WIC office or at your next WIC appointment. You can also find it on the WIC Shopper App or our website (link below).
Eating with the Season
Fall is officially here! Think apples, kale, pumpkins and winter squash. Buying seasonal produce is a great way to save money at the grocery store, support local farmers, and help the environment. Click on the Vermont Seasonal Produce button and choose "Early October" or "Late October" to see what is currently in season and to get tips on selecting and using fall produce.
Find fun WIC Activities near you, like Healthy Havest, Fall Food Frenzy, and Hauntingly Healthy Halloween! Check out what's happening in your local WIC office this month!
TANGERINE PUMPKINS
These fun "pumpkins" are a naturally sweet treat!

Ingredients
* WIC-approved items
  • Tangerines* (mandarin oranges or clementines, seedless)
  • Celery* (stalks and leaves)

Instructions
  1. Peel tangerines, scraping off as much white membranes as possible.
  2. Wash, dry and slice celery.
  3. Cut 1-2 inch narrow pieces from the tops of the celery and insert into the peeled tangerines.
  4. Cut leaves from the celery tops and arrange to look like pumpkin leaves.

Nutrition information (1 tangerine): calories 50, protein 1 g, carbohydrates 12 g, fat 0 g, sodium 15 mg, fiber 2 g

Thank you for completing the Annual WIC Survey!
We had 761 responses from across the State! We will be looking to see what you like (so we can keep doing it) and what your thoughts are on how we can improve. Last year, our survey results were shared back with all local WIC staff to help plan WIC activities and to improve shopping for WIC food.
 
Top three responses for what you like:
  1. WIC foods (92%)
  2. Nutrition Information (74%)
  3. Learning about your child’s growth and development (66%)

In response to this question, “If you could make one suggestion for the WIC Program, what would it be?”

Some of your suggestions are things we can do right now, such as:
  • “...I make my (own) baby food so it would be nice to have had more money for produce rather than forced to have jarred (baby) food.”
Did you know that after your baby turns 9 months, in place of some of the baby foods, you can get fresh fruits and veggies? Contact your local WIC office if this is something you’d like to do.

  • “Maybe send out a reminder of when the online course is due” and “Send text alerts for appointments."
Did you know that WIC sends text reminders for appointments and nutrition activities? 92% of families in Vermont use this option. Contact your local WIC office if you want to receive text reminders.

Some suggestions we would love to do if our program rules change at the national level:
  • “More money for fruits and veggies!”
  • “To extend the WIC program from 5 to 6 years old.”

Your voice is important – thank you again! If you didn't have a chance to participate in the WIC survey and have any comments, we invite you to send them to us at WIC@vermont.gov.
Know a friend who might be interested in WIC?  Tell them about us!
Did you know it’s so easy to sign up for Vermont WIC? Just text VTWIC to 855-11 to get started.

Standard message & 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 .

Are there topics you’d like to see in our newsletter? Email us.
Vermont WIC | healthvermont.gov/wic

Th is institution is an equal opportunity provider.