Growing Healthy with WIC

Women , Infants & Children Program

The JCPH Nutrition Services Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Program provides nutrition education and support for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women. This program also helps infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. In addition, WIC has teamed up with Cavity Free Families to help implement good oral health habits. At Jefferson County Public Health , our WIC educators are here to help you. If you or anyone you know might benefit from WIC services, call 303-239-7143 to set up an appointment at our Edgewater, Lakewood or Arvada clinics.

Be sure and visit one of the Health and Produce fairs being held this summer for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables:

Healing Waters Family Center

6475 W. 29th Ave 

Wheat Ridge, CO, 80214-8002 

(between Wadsworth & Sheridan on W. 29th Avenue)

Friday, June 14; Friday, July 12 and, Friday, August 9

9:00 am-11:00 am.

Please note that while there is no income or residential requirement to participate, JCPH trusts that the goal of providing nourishment and education to low-income residents will be respected and supported. The produce fairs are coordinated by the Produce and Health Fair County Collaborative: Food Bank of the Rockies, Cooking Matters, CSU Extension, Denver Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health, City of Thornton and Tri-County Health Department.

The Bounty of Jefferson County

In Jefferson County we all know how lucky we are to be located at the base of the grand Rocky Mountains where we have access to the very best activities, beautiful sunsets and fresh produce! Buying local is good for our community and eating fresh fruits and vegetables is great for your health. Check out the following local Farmer’s Markets in your Jefferson County City.

Golden Arvada Lakewood Wheat Ridge Evergreen

While you’re out shopping for local produce, consider the possibility of planting your own garden! Gardening can help you get the physical activity you need, provide healthy meals and educate your entire family. For more information about the benefits of gardening and tips to do it safely, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Jefferson County Produce & Health Fair

Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services has organized three produce and health fairs again this year for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Last year the JCPH Produce and Health Fairs distributed food and information to over 1,980 households in Jefferson County. This year, as in previous years, the produce and health fairs will be held at:

Healing Waters Family Center

6475 W. 29th Ave 

Wheat Ridge, CO, 80214-8002 

(between Wadsworth & Sheridan on W. 29th Avenue)

Friday, June 14; Friday, July 12 and, Friday, August 9

9:00 am-11:00 am.

Please note that while there is no income or residential requirement to participate, Jefferson County Public Health trusts that the goal of providing nourishment and education to low-income residents will be respected and supported. The produce fairs are coordinated by the Produce and Health Fair County Collaborative: Food Bank of the Rockies, Operation Frontline Colorado, Adams County Food Distribution, Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Bank, Denver Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health and Tri-County Health Department. Please contact JCPH Nutrition Services, Nancy G. Obrien at 303-239-7126 with any questions. To view pictures of previous produce fairs click here.

JCPH Produce & Health Fair

JCPH Nutrition Services has organized three produce and health fairs again this year for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Now in its fifth year, Jefferson County Public Health’s produce fairs encourage residents to make eating fresh produce a priority and promote a healthy lifestyle. Download flyer

Where:    Healing Waters Family Center, 6475 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge CO 80214
When:      Fridays: July 13, 2012; August 10, 2012
Time:       9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Each adult will receive a bag of FREE fruits & vegetables. No income or residential requirements to participate. To volunteer, donate produce, or for more information call: 303.239.7126


JCPH Nutrition Services has a wealth of information on healthy eating, check out their newsletter for families.

A slideshow of last month’s produce fair is available on our flickr account: http://bit.ly/LEFQAG

Why Buy Local?

Buying local has multiple health and community benefits. Besides the fact that most people say food tastes better when it’s fresh, it also is packed with nutrition. Buying local also helps protect the environment and supports community family farms and ranches.

Four Good Reasons to purchase from local farmers and ranchers:

1. Help the environment. Environmental impact from carbon
   dioxide emissions and packaging waste is reduced because
   food purchased locally doesn’t have to travel far.


2. Strengthen our local economy. Buying local keeps your food dollars circulating in the community.


3. Support your local family farm. More than an important piece of the American tradition, local
   farmers also supply local jobs and spend their money with local merchants.


4. Make informed decisions about your family’s health. Knowing where your food comes from
   allows you to have better control over foods selected including pesticide or hormone free foods.

Get started on living healthier, learn more from these web sites:
Colorado Market Maker will start you on your search for local ranches and farms that provide meats, poultry, produce and dairy.
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1178305864422
Colorado Dept of Agriculture - Colorado Proud
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1167928162081
Home Food Service Plans will provide information on how to know that meats sold door to door are safe for you and your family
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1178305690332
Seafood Watch will help you choose seafood that is abundant in supply, and caught or farmed in
environmentally friendly ways
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_recommendations.aspx
Are all fish and seafood safe for all people? Check out guidelines for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and infants and children
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-pecificInformation/Seafood/FoodbornePathogensContaminants/Methylmercury/ucm115662.htm
Wanting to choose a fish that is healthy for your family and the environment, but your recipe calls for one on the “avoid” list? Check out this link for recipe substitutions!
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_alternatives.aspx
Recipes to use our wonderful Colorado meats and poultry, as well as healthy seafood ideas.
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_health.aspx
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1178305877653&pagename=Agriculture-Main%2FCDAGLayout

Provided by JCPH Nutrition Services. Over 50 years of helping Jefferson County residents with nutrition education and services, including the Women, Infant & Children Program assuring pregnant women and children ages five and under in the County have access to healthy foods and nutrition education. Call Nutrition Services Manager, Sara Lemley, RD 303-239-7137 for more information.