Ottawa County WIC

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

11/27/2025

11/24/2025

Did you know you have legal protections for breastfeeding at work and in public? 🤱

You deserve to feed your baby with confidence, wherever you are! 🌟Luckily, WIC is here to support lactation in the workplace by providing breast pumps and support through peer counselors and breastfeeding experts (like IBCLCs) to program participants.

Know your rights and find a WIC clinic near you by visiting: https://signupwic.com/resources/know-your-rights-breastfeeding

11/22/2025

This tiny vitamin plays a big role in your and your little one's health: Let's talk about Vitamin B-12! ✨

B-12 is found naturally in animal products. Great sources of B-12 include meat, poultry, & fish; eggs & dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese); and foods fortified with B-12 (check labels on cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast)! 🐟🍳🧀

A special note for our vegan/vegetarian families: Since B-12 isn't found in plants, fortified foods or a supplement are often necessary. Talk to your WIC nutritionist—we're here to help! 🫂

You've got questions? We've got support! If you're concerned about your B-12 intake or have questions about your diet, your local WIC clinic is your go-to resource. Let's work together to keep your family thriving. Visit www.signupwic.com to get connected!

11/20/2025

Today is Universal Children's Day! 🥳 Every child, everywhere, has the right to a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life. Today, the whole world comes together to stand up for kids! We're talking about their right to go to school, to be protected, to be treated fairly, and to have their voices heard.



WIC is here to support children and families by providing access to nutritious foods, health care referrals, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and so much more—from pregnancy to your child’s 5th birthday! 💖



Learn more and find a clinic near you: https://signupwic.com/find-a-clinic