In Texas, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program offered by USDA that supports a nutrition program for pregnant, breastfeeding women and families with children younger than 5. WIC aims to promote healthy eating and nutrition for eligible individuals and families. WIC provides healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, recipes and cooking demonstrations, and nutrition classes to pregnant and breastfeeding women, and families with children younger than 5.
Further information about WIC can be found at https://www.texaswic.org/.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services administers Head Start programs which support children's growth from birth to age 5 through services that support early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Early Head Start services work with families with children ages birth to 3, and many also serve expectant families. Head Start Preschool services work with families with children ages 3 to 5.
Additional information can be found at https://headstart.gov/programs/article/head-start-approach.
UMOS is a non-profit advocacy organization that offers migrant and seasonal farmworkers support for families with children between the ages of six weeks and 5 years. UMOS serves migrant families in Wisconsin, Missouri, and South Texas offering programs in Early Childhood Development and Education, Nutritious food at mealtimes, and Access to healthcare, dental, and mental health services. UMOS Migrant and Seasonal Head Start services are offered in Alton, Brownsville, Donna, Edcouch, Edinburg, Falfurrias, Mercedes, Mission, Pharr, Raymondville, Rio Grande City, Roma, San Benito, San Juan, and Weslaco-Progreso.
Further information can be found at https://www.umos.org/where-we-help/texas/.
Rotary Clubs are encouraged this month to invite a WIC, Head Start, or UMOS representative to speak at your club or to organize a service project, such as donating diapers and other essentials for newborn babies (car seats, cribs) whose mothers are low-income and vulnerable.