Nutrition Services

CLICK LOGO FOR NUTRITIOUS,
HEART-HEALTHY RECIPES

The Nutrition Services area of the Marion County Health Department includes two programs: the Community Nutrition Program and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program. Both programsaddress the nutrition needs of the community through education about healthy eating habits that correspond to individuals' particular culture.

COMMUNITY NUTRITION PROGRAM

Because diet is linked to several chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and some cancers, the staff works together with the Chronic Disease section on the ABC's of Diabetes Program and the Heart Alive! Program. Staff also provides nutrition services to school based and adolescent clinics, offering group education and individual counseling. Nutritionists provide information at various health fairs in the community and they are frequently asked to speak to a variety of groups on many different nutrition topics.

The 5-a-Day for Better Health Program is an elementary school curriculum that is very popular among students. This curriculum, developed by staff in the department, has been used for several years to teach children about the importance of including fruits and vegetables in their diets through fun hands-on activities and an opportunity via "tasting parties" to try new foods. This curriculum is nationally recognized and used throughout the country.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is an innovative program which was developed by a social worker in North Carolina. The program is aimed at 8-12 year old girls and involves training to run a 1 or 3.1 mile race with self-esteem and confidence development activities incorporated into warm-ups, training and cool-downs. District nutritionists collaborate with health educators, social workers and public health nurses within the health department to provide coaching to young girls interested in training for a run or walk. Other community organizations can receive training to sponsor a GOTR program by contacting the community nutrition program.

WIC PROGRAM

Good nutrition is very important for health, growth and development during pregnancy and the early years of life. The WIC Program is available to help families get the nutrition they need during these times. WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition information, supplemental foods and referrals to health and social services to eligible pregnant and postpartum women and children up to age five. To qualify for WIC, individuals must meet income eligibility guidelines and be determined to have a nutrition or health need by a WIC nutritionist. Once certified for WIC, participants receive checks for specific foods including milk, cheese, eggs, fruit juices, iron-fortified cereals, dried beans or peanut butter and iron-fortified formula for infants not breastfed. Breastfeeding mothers can receive an expanded food package. Support is available to help mothers with breastfeeding. WIC services are available at many sites throughout Marion County. Appointments can be made Monday-Friday. Several sites offer evening hours and two Saturday clinics are available every month. Same day appointments with preference given to prenatals and moms with new babies are available every Tuesday and Friday.