Individual nutrition counseling helps families build healthy habits that fit real life. In the WIC program, each visit is tailored to your needs, preferences, culture, and medical goals.
What to Expect at a WIC Visit
- Team approach: You may meet an eligibility specialist, a breastfeeding peer counselor if pregnant or breastfeeding, and a WIC nutritionist (CPA).
- Personalized counseling: WIC uses VENA (Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment). Staff ask open-ended questions so you can share what matters most. You are the expert on your life; we bring nutrition expertise and support.
- Health screening: Height, weight, growth checks for kids, and other screens help guide recommendations.
- SMART goals: Together you set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely goals you can start now.
How Counseling is Personalized
Food packages are adjusted to age, stage, and needs.
- Your preferences matter: Plans consider cultural foods, allergies, intolerances, and medical needs.
- Skills and tools: Simple meal ideas, shopping tips, label reading, and budget-friendly swaps.
- Referrals: When helpful, WIC connects you with medical offices, community resources, and social services.
Building Habits That Last
Small changes add up. Examples of SMART goals:
- Add a fruit or vegetable to one snack each day this week
- Offer milk or water instead of sugary drinks at dinner
- Try a whole-grain swap twice this week
Tips to make changes stick:
- Keep healthy foods in sight and ready to eat
- Plan simple meals with 3–5 ingredients
- Use a short shopping list to stay on track
Picky Eating: What Helps
Picky eating is common in toddlers, school-age kids, and yes, some adults.
- Normalize it: Learning to like new foods takes time and repeat exposure.
- Offer variety: Serve small tastes of new foods alongside familiar favorites.
- Invite kids to help: Let them pick a new fruit or vegetable, wash produce, stir batter, or set the table. Involvement builds interest and confidence.
- Avoid pressure: Gentle encouragement works better than battles at the table.
When to Reach Out
Contact your WIC office or healthcare provider if you notice:
- Poor growth or weight changes you were not expecting
- Ongoing feeding problems or frequent meal stress
- Food allergies or new medical concerns
- Questions about breastfeeding or formula use
To get started, bring your questions, a short food diary if you have one, and your current goals. Your WIC team will help you choose a simple plan you can start today and adjust over time as life changes.