Students at five Alamance-Burlington schools to receive nutrition-themed book

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 12, 2011

BURLINGTON – In the coming days, some Alamance County elementary school students will be feasting on more than just nutritious cafeteria cuisine.  This take home meal will be brain food, full of nutritional nuggets to help students and families develop healthier eating habits.

The Alamance County WIC Program will donate books through a book drop at Andrews, Eastlawn, Haw River, Newlin, North Graham, Pleasant Grove, and South Graham elementary schools.  Each child will receive the book “What’s in Grandma’s Grocery Bag?”  The book, which will be available in English and Spanish, promotes a message of shopping for the right foods.

Information on the WIC Program will also be available at the participating schools.

“WIC truly works in Alamance County and is making a difference in not only the lives of clients and their children, but also the community at-large,” said Nutrition Program Director Michele Herbek.  “The roughly 4,500 clients served through the WIC Program generate approximately $4 million dollars in the county through vouchers redeemed at local retailers.”

WIC is a federally funded special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children that eligible families have relied on for over 30 years.  The program is designed to provide nutrition education and counseling, food vouchers (including cash value vouchers for fruits and vegetables) and breastfeeding promotion and support through the breastfeeding peer counselor program.  Referrals are also provided to other health providers and community resources to ensure program participants get a balanced approach to their healthcare needs.

For more information about the WIC Program, please call (336) 570-6745, or stop by the WIC Office located on the first floor of the Alamance County Human Services Center at 319 North Graham-Hopedale Road in Burlington, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.  Special clinic hours are also available for clients, based on need.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Fast Facts – WIC Program Eligibility • Must be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman. • Have an infant or child up to 5 years old. • Must reside in the State of North Carolina • Gross annual household income cannot exceed 185% of the Federal Poverty income guidelines. • Applicant or child must have a nutritional/medical risk, as determined by a nutritionist. • All Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services and Work First recipients automatically meet the WIC income eligibility criteria.

185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (Effective April 1, 2011)
Size of Economic Unit Maximum Gross Income
Annual Monthly Weekly
1 $20,147 $1,679 $388
2 $27,214 $2,268 $524
3 $34,281 $2,857 $660
4 $41,348 $3,446 $796
5 $48,415 $4,035 $932
For each additional member of economic unit, add:
$7,067 $589 $136