Ottawa County WIC

12/26/2025

Did you know 💭 WIC is not only the first food as medicine program in the US but also offers additional benefits to eligible families?

In addition to healthy foods and nutrition education, WIC offers breastfeeding support, health care referrals, community events, and more!

Getting started with WIC is worth it. Find a clinic near you: https://signupwic.com/find-a-clinic

12/25/2025

12/21/2025

Get ready for the holidays with some sweet treats to share with friends and family this season! 🍪 Baking with kids can be a fun bonding activity and can also help them learn baking measurements and steps, practice fine motor skills, and how to read recipes! 🌟

Check out these recipes for desserts using WIC ingredients: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/recipes/desserts.html

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12/19/2025

Vitamin A is famous for its role in keeping our vision sharp, but it’s also a superstar for overall growth, embryo development, and a strong immune system.

The good news is that Vitamin A-rich foods are often at their peak during the colder months! Think of those bright orange and dark leafy greens: carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, spinach, and collard greens.

Your WIC benefits make it easier to bring these healthy, colorful foods to your family's table. Reach out to WIC for more information and nutrition tips for your family: www.signupwic.com/find-a-clinic

12/17/2025

Dried beans are the WIC-approved food of the month! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, beans are a budget friendly superhero for your family's meals. Just one cup of dried beans becomes about three cups cooked!

💡 Plan Ahead for Easy Meals: Cook a big batch on your day off! Then, use your ready-to-go beans all week long. They're perfect for tacos, stews, salads, and more!

Learn more about dried beans and how to cook them: https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/topic/what-do-i-do-with/beans

12/15/2025

As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to make warm, nourishing meals that your whole family can enjoy! Get ideas with our winter weather favorites using WIC-approved foods:

🥣 Oatmeal, grits, or cream of wheat with your favorite toppings (fresh or frozen fruit with your favorite milk OR cheese and an egg on top for a savory option)

🍚 Rice and beans, canned or dried, with your favorite seasonings (you could cook your rice in broth for extra flavor!)

🍜 Soups and stews using your family’s favorite veggies (you can add in beans or whole grain pasta to boost the nutrition of your recipe)

What are your family’s favorite winter meals? 🍲 Share in the comments!

12/12/2025

Whether it gets snowy where you call home or stays warm, there are fun winter activities you can do with the little ones in your life!

Here are some cozy and active winter activity ideas:

❄️ Bundle up and make snow castles with recycled containers like reusable, rectangular baby wipe containers or sand castle supplies

📚Take a trip to your local library to check out your favorite seasonal books

🍿Build a pillow and blanket fort to watch your favorite movie or show in

☃️Make a snowman or snow animal together

12/10/2025

Did you know good hand washing is your child's first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses? 🫧 It helps protect them from everything from the common cold and the flu to more serious infections.



Learn more about why handwashing is important for your child’s health: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hand-washing.html

12/08/2025

Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season from your friends at WIC! 🧡



This time of year is all about creating special moments and memories with your family. What is your family’s favorite holiday tradition? ✨



P.S. A friendly reminder that our offices will be open a half day on December 24th and will be closed on December 25th and January 1st. We're excited to continue supporting you in the new year!

12/06/2025

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week! 🩹💪 A perfect time to remember that early immunizations help children build immunity before they are exposed to germs that can make them very sick.



Vaccines are one of our most powerful tools to prevent life-threatening diseases. That's why most childhood vaccines are recommended during your baby's first 12 to 18 months of life.



Have questions about which vaccines your child needs? You're not alone! Check out this helpful resource from AAP to see what's recommended before age 6: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Your-Babys-First-Vaccines.aspx

12/05/2025

Traveling with your breastfeeding baby can feel overwhelming, but it’s totally doable with a little preparation. And WIC can help!

Use these tips to make your holiday travel smoother for you and your baby: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html

12/03/2025

As this year comes to an end, we're reflecting on a year of happy, healthy babies and strong, supported families. Thank you for letting WIC be a part of your journey.

From all of us at WIC, we wish you a joyous new year! 🎉 We can't wait to see you in 2026.

#2026