VERMONT WIC'S E-NEWSLETTER
MAY 2021
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Keeping you up to date on events, nutrition and health information, recipes, and new products. |
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Enjoy More Fruits & Veggies with WIC! |
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The WIC fruit and vegetable benefit will temporarily increase to $35 a month per participant over age 1 from June through September 2021.
The Farm to Family Program is also available this summer, offering $30 to spend at local farmers' markets and farm stands.
Find out more below!
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You can use this benefit for fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables – any size package, organic or conventional. Use your WIC card first whenever you shop to make the most of this benefit each month since it will not roll over. The availability of fresh produce varies every month – so try something new this summer! Look for more information on our website, upcoming issues of this newsletter, and on local office Facebook pages. Contact your local WIC office with any questions. |
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What is the Vermont Farm to Family Program?
This program gives WIC families a free coupon book worth $30 for locally grown, fresh vegetables and fruits from participating farmers’ markets and farm stands.
How Can I Get Farm to Family Coupons?
If your family will use the coupons at your local farmers' market or farm stand, please complete the form (link below) by Friday, June 4 to let us know you are interested. Farm to Family coupon booklets will be mailed to participants in July. There is a limited supply of coupons. Those who complete the interest form will receive at least one coupon book unless we contact you. Participation in the WIC Farm to Family program is optional and does not impact your regular monthly WIC foods benefit.
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Tofu is a good source of protein and calcium and is a versatile ingredient you can use in recipes such as stir fries, smoothies, and this yummy burrito bowl. Tofu is available as a WIC food – ask your local WIC office if you are interested in receiving tofu in place of some of the milk in your food package.
Brown rice, the base of this bowl, is a WIC food and a good source of selenium, a nutrient that helps support a healthy immune system.
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Makes 4 Servings
Nutrition information per serving: calories 490, protein 27 grams, carbohydrates 78 grams, fat 12 grams, sodium 520 milligrams, dietary fiber 11 grams
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Mental Health Awareness Month |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. More than a year into the pandemic, 1 in 5 Americans are reporting high levels of psychological distress.
In addition to the pandemic, expecting and caring for a baby can be an exciting, life-changing time, and it can also be very challenging. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are common and treatable conditions that can occur any time during pregnancy or the first year after childbirth. As many as 1 in 5 women are affected by these conditions. There is evidence that fathers, partners, foster/adoptive parents, and other caregivers are similarly at risk from the stress of welcoming a baby.
Symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, irritable, weepy, empty, exhausted but unable to sleep, having scary or unwanted thoughts, and/or not feeling like yourself.
If you're experiencing any of these feelings, whether around childbirth, related to the pandemic, or at any time, you are not alone. Talk to your health care provider, local WIC staff, COVID Support VT, or Help Me Grow VT. They can refer you to mental health counseling so you get the help you need.
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COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy |
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The CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the COVID-19 vaccine. New research has found no safety concerns for women receiving the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines in the third trimester, and additional research is underway. If you’re still unsure about getting the vaccine, your health care provider can help you decide what’s best for you and your baby. |
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As the warmer weather arrives, take time to celebrate body diversity! Health at every size focuses on creating positive body image and health goals. Talk with your WIC Nutritionist to learn more. |
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With the Media & Health Lab at Dartmouth College |
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This study is currently seeking parents who live within an hour of Hanover, NH to make it easier to deliver study material. For more information, contact the Media and Health Behaviors Lab at Dartmouth.
Your decision to inquire about or participate in this study is completely voluntary. Whether you decide to inquire about or participate in this study or not, will not affect your participation in the WIC Program.
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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.*
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Are there topics you’d like to see in our newsletter? Email us.
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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