Clinic Enhancement Grant Awarded to Help Fund "Read and Feed" Program

For Immediate Release:
April 29, 2002

Randolph County Health Department
423 E. Logan
PO 488
Moberly, MO 65270

Contact: Diana Taylor 660- 263-6643

What is the single most important thing that parents can do to improve their children's scholastic achievement? Read to them. This is the message that the WIC office at the Randolph County Health Department hopes to share with hundreds of families this summer.

The WIC office has just received word that they will be awarded a "Clinic Enhancement Grant" in the amount of $11,205.00. The grand will help fund the "Read and Feed" project. This project is designed to encourage healthy eating and exercise while promoting kindergarten readiness through literacy. The Read and Feed project was modeled after the "Reach Out and Read" program endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Age-appropriate books focusing on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and daily exercise will be distributed to each parent during the child's recertification visit. Educational messages will reinforce the "Eat 5 A Day" message, encourage daily exercise and promote the importance of reading to children.

The grant was written to address the rising incidence of obesity in children. By encouraging a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and a lifestyle of increased activity, it is hoped to reverse this trend. In addition to this, a recent community survey recognized poor literacy and a low rate of kindergarten readiness as community concerns. It is anticipated that over 600 books will be distributed to families in the next 5 months. These books will encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables and provide an opportunity for parents to share a book with their child.

WIC is a supplemental food, and nutrition education program for Women, Infants and Children. Funding for WIC comes from the USDA, and is administered through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In Randolph County, over 1100 people receive WIC services at the Randolph County Health Department. For more information on this project, or WIC, please contact the WIC office at 660-263-6643 ext. 3020.

The Randolph County Health Department is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The Randolph County Health Department and Home Care does not discriminate against recipients of services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or age.


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