March marks National Nutrition Month, with Henry and Stark County Health Departments urging a return to healthy eating basics. The theme “Food Connects Us” highlights informed food choices and daily exercise for a healthier lifestyle. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, emphasizes understanding nutrient needs based on age, gender, and health conditions. Residents can access the WIC Food Supplemental program, offering free groceries and promoting nutritious habits. The new Illinois WIC EBT Card simplifies access to services. For details on WIC and nutrition education, call (309) 852-5272 or visit henrystarkhealth.com. This initiative supports healthier families and communities.
Each March, National Nutrition Month encourages Americans to return to the basics of healthy eating. This year’s theme of “Food Connects Us” encourages individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle that is focused on making informed and flavorful food choices and getting daily exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease and many cancers, and promote overall health.
“Knowing which nutrients your body needs, the foods that contain them, and how much fits into your healthy eating plan are all part of making smart and savory choices,” says RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion. “Age, gender, body type, family history, existing health conditions and daily routines all play a factor in determining which foods we should eat more of and which we should avoid when trying to optimize our health.”
The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads, and tortillas.