AU EFNEP

Nourishing yourself is an important part of caring for your baby. 🤱

During the postpartum period, your body needs energy and nutrients to heal and, if you're breastfeeding, to support milk production. Build balanced meals with lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and calcium-rich foods, and drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Keeping easy, nutritious snacks on hand, like yogurt, trail mix, fresh fruit, cheese, or hummus with veggies, can make healthy eating easier on busy days.

Every family's feeding journey is different, so talk with your healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or WIC nutritionist if you have questions or need additional support.

Meet Della Bramley, EFNEP Educator!

📍 Counties: Cullman and Walker
💬 What topics or lessons do you enjoy teaching the most? "My favorite topics to teach are limiting added sugars and fueling the body with a rainbow of nutrients!"
👩‍🌾 What are your hobbies? "I enjoy family time, gardening, and all forms of crafting."

Thank you, Della for your dedication to educating and empowering the community!

August is National Breastfeeding Month!🤱

This month, we celebrate the importance of supporting families and recognizing that every breastfeeding journey is unique. Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition for infants, helps support healthy growth and immune function, and offers health benefits for breastfeeding parents, too. Reach out to your local WIC clinic, healthcare provider, or lactation professional for guidance and support.

Feeding your family on a budget can still be delicious and nutritious!

Stretch your grocery dollars by planning meals around affordable staples like beans, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, frozen vegetables, eggs, and canned tuna or chicken. Add seasonal or frozen fruits and vegetables for color, flavor, and important nutrients without breaking the budget. Preparing meals at home, using leftovers for lunch, and choosing store brands can also help save money while reducing food waste.

With these tools, you can enjoy healthy family dinners that fit both your schedule and your budget!

Healthy choices during pregnancy can make a meaningful difference. Through the Today's Mom program, one expectant mother learned the importance of prenatal nutrition, including balanced meals, healthy snacks, folic acid, and iron-rich foods. After completing the program, she reported having more energy, experiencing less morning sickness, and feeling more confident in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Every small step toward healthy eating can help build a healthier future for both mom and baby.

Get ready for back-to-school with these quick and nutritious lunch tips! 🎒

Pack a balanced lunch by including foods from several food groups:
• A lean protein like turkey, beans, or peanut butter (if allowed)
• A whole grain such as whole-wheat bread or crackers, a fruit or vegetable
• A low-fat dairy food like yogurt or cheese

A little planning goes a long way in helping kids stay energized and ready to learn! 🍎🥪🥕

Check out what fruits and vegetables are in season this August!

Bell peppers, butterbeans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, green beans, leafy greens, lima beans, muscadines, okra, peaches, peas, summer squash, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Meet Shannon Whigham, EFNEP Educator!

📍 Counties: Washington and Clarke
💬 What topics or lessons do you enjoy teaching the most? "I love teaching lessons about smart snacking, healthy breakfasts, and choosing better beverages. Anything that lets students get involved, try new foods, and see how fun healthy eating can be is my favorite!"
👩‍🌾 What are your hobbies? "In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, being outdoors, and cheering on my favorite football teams."

Thank you, Shannon for your dedication to educating and empowering the community!

August is Kids Eat Right Month! 🥕🥦🍎

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive with nutritious foods. Try serving a colorful fruit or vegetable at each meal, letting children help choose a new produce item at the store, or involving them in simple kitchen tasks to build confidence and encourage healthy eating habits. Remember, it can take several tries for a child to accept a new food, so keep offering it in different ways.

I look like a tree, but I’m good on your plate,
Steam me or dip me—I taste pretty great.
I’m green and strong and full of might,
What veggie am I? You just might be right!