The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department’s (LLCHD, lincoln.ne.gov/health) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has received the 2022 Gold WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence.
“Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and helps give them a healthy start,” said Gwendy Meginnis, Dental Health and Nutrition Services manager. “Our team of trained WIC peer counselors are moms, too, who have breastfed their own children. They do a fantastic job answering questions, providing information, and offering needed support to help new mothers breastfeed their babies.”
Presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the award recognizes agencies that have exhibited exemplary breastfeeding support and practices.
“Two of my passions are helping others and breastfeeding,” added Alejandra Amaro-Garcia, breastfeeding peer counselor. “I’m excited to be able to do both and share my passion for breastfeeding with others and help them succeed in their breastfeeding goals.”
The Women, Infants, and Children program of The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department empowers families through breastfeeding support, healthy food, nutrition education and referrals to other health and nutrition services – all free of charge to those who qualify. More than 6,000 Lancaster County families are currently enrolled in WIC. Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding your baby and the WIC program at lincoln.ne.gov/health or by calling (402) 441-6200.
To access the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support website, visit wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov.