VERMONT WIC'S E-NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2020

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

Back to School

It's back to school for many Vermont families. Whether preschool or K-12, and whether full-time, hybrid, remote or home school, there are new routines and changes from the more relaxed pace of summer. The resources listed here offer helpful information that might make back to school easier for you and your family.

Vermont Department of Health - COVID-19 Schools and Child Care Building Bright Futures - COVID-19 Centers for Disease Control - COVID-19 Back To School Planning

Free School Meals Through December

If your family participated in summer meals or even if you didn't, you may be able to receive free school meals through the end of December. Schools are providing meals for children ages 18 and under, including toddlers and preschoolers. Contact your local school district to find out how you can access free school meals.

FIND YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT

2020 CENSUS

COVID Support VT offers self-help tips, resources and connections to existing mental health and community services. We can all use a little extra support during this challenging time. COVID SUPPORT VT

Building a Strong Immune System with WIC Foods

WIC foods provide key nutrients that can boost your immune system and help keep your family healthy. Pay Attention to Protein Protein is important to help keep your muscles strong and helps to build a strong immune system. Eating protein-rich foods every day helps your body by building active immune cells. Many WIC foods are protein-rich, including beans, eggs, milk, cheese, soymilk, tofu, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), and peanut butter.

CHOOSE MY PLATE

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

For a quick, protein-rich breakfast using WIC foods, try this yummy smoothie! Makes 2 Servings Ingredients 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt* 1 banana* 2 tablespoons peanut butter* 1 1/2 tablespoons honey (optional)** 1/4 cup ice 1/2 cup milk* Instructions Peel the bananas. Place bananas, peanut butter, yogurt, milk, ice, and honey in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, pour into 2 glasses, and serve immediately. Nutrition information per serving: calories 280, protein 10 grams, carbohydrates 42 grams, fat 10 grams, sodium 150 milligrams, dietary fiber 2 grams *WIC foods **Do not offer honey to children under 1 year old. Recipe and image from wichealth.org Health eKitchen.

HEALTH eKITCHEN

Crop Cash - Triple Your Benefits

From now until the end of October 2020, when you spend $10 in 3SquaresVT benefits at participating famers' markets, you'll receive $20 in Crop Cash to purchase fruits and vegetables at the market.This means $10 in 3SquaresVT buys $30 in local food. CROP CASH

National Women's Health & Fitness Day

National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is September 30. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend individuals who are pregnant or postpartum do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week (for example, 30 minutes a day, five days a week), such as brisk walking. It’s best to spread this activity throughout the week. Find tips on being physically active even in these times of social distancing.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DURING COVID-19

wichealth on Your Mobile Device

Find simple steps attached to make it easier to access wichealth online nutrition education on your mobile device. If you need to set up an wichealth account, contact your local WIC office.

ADD WICHEALTH TO YOUR PHONE

Bring Your Own Bags

Vermont's Single-Use Products Law went into effective July 1, 2020. This means that stores can no longer offer plastics bags and now charge a fee for paper bags. Remember to bring your own bags when you shop. One easy way to remember is to keep clean, reusable bags in your car or a smaller reusable bag in your purse or backpack. BRING YOUR OWN BAGS Image from Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

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 on 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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