St. Joseph WIC Program - Paterson

12/31/2025

Happy New Year

As this year comes to an end, we're reflecting on a year of happy, healthy babies and strong, supported families. Thank you for letting WIC be a part of your journey.

From all of us at WIC, we wish you a joyous new year! 🎉 We can't wait to see you in 2026.
#2026

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A medida que este año llega a su fin, hacemos un balance de doce meses llenos de bebés felices y sanos, y de familias fuertes y acompañadas. Gracias por permitir que WIC sea parte de su camino.

De parte de todo el equipo de WIC, ¡le deseamos un feliz Año Nuevo! 🎉 Tenemos muchas ganas de seguir acompañándolo(a) en 2026.

12/30/2025

Myth vs Fact - WIC Benefits

Did you know 💭 WIC is not only the first food as medicine program in the US but also offers additional benefits to eligible families?
In addition to healthy foods and nutrition education, WIC offers breastfeeding support, health care referrals, community events, and more!
Getting started with WIC is worth it. Find a clinic near you: https://wic.nj.gov/participantportal/en/

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¿Sabía que 💭 WIC no solo es el primer programa de alimentos como medicina en los Estados Unidos, sino que también brinda beneficios adicionales a las familias elegibles?
Además de alimentos saludables y educación nutricional, WIC ofrece apoyo a la lactancia, remisiones a servicios de atención médica, actividades comunitarias y mucho más.
Vale la pena inscribirse en WIC. Busque una clínica cercana en https://wic.nj.gov/participantportal/es/

12/22/2025

Happy Holidays

Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season from your friends at WIC! 🧡

This time of year is all about creating special moments and memories with your family. What is your family’s favorite holiday tradition? ✨

P.S. A friendly reminder that our offices will be closed on 12/25, 12/27, 01/01/26, 01/03/26. We're excited to continue supporting you in the new year!

12/15/2025

Breastfeeding While Traveling

Traveling with your breastfeeding baby can feel overwhelming, but it’s totally doable with a little preparation. And WIC can help!

Use these tips to make your holiday travel smoother for you and your baby: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html
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Viajar con un bebé en período de lactancia puede parecer abrumador, pero con un poco de preparación es totalmente posible. ¡Y WIC puede ayudarle! ¡WIC puede ayudar!

Siga estos consejos para que sus viajes de fin de año sean más sencillos para usted y su bebé: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html

This page provides information on how to continue breastfeeding when traveling.

12/09/2025

WIC-Approved Food of the Month - Beans (Highlight Dried Beans)

Dried beans are the WIC-approved food of the month! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, beans are a budget friendly superhero for your family's meals. Just one cup of dried beans becomes about three cups cooked!

💡 Plan Ahead for Easy Meals: Cook a big batch on your day off! Then, use your ready-to-go beans all week long. They're perfect for tacos, stews, salads, and more!
Learn more about dried beans and how to cook them: https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/topic/what-do-i-do-with/beans

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12/08/2025

National Influenza Vaccination Week - December 6-11

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week! 🩹💪 A perfect time to remember that early immunizations help children build immunity before they are exposed to germs that can make them very sick.

Vaccines are one of our most powerful tools to prevent life-threatening diseases. That's why most childhood vaccines are recommended during your baby's first 12 to 18 months of life.

Have questions about which vaccines your child needs? You're not alone! Check out this helpful resource from AAP to see what's recommended before age 6: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Your-Babys-First-Vaccines.aspx



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¡Es la semana nacional de vacunación contra la influenza! 🩹💪 Es el momento ideal para recordar que las vacunas tempranas ayudan a que los niños desarrollen defensas antes de exponerse a gérmenes que pueden causarles enfermedades graves.

Las vacunas son una de nuestras herramientas más eficaces para prevenir enfermedades potencialmente mortales. Por eso, la mayoría de las vacunas infantiles se recomiendan durante los primeros 12 a 18 meses de vida.

¿Tiene preguntas sobre qué vacunas necesita su hijo(a)? ¡No está solo(a) en esto! Consulte este recurso útil de la AAP con las recomendaciones hasta los 6 años: https://www.healthychildren.org/spanish/safety-prevention/immunizations/paginas/your-babys-first-vaccines.aspx

​La American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) le informa todo lo que usted necesita saber acerca de las primeras vacunas que debe recibir su hijo desde que nace hasta los 6 años.

12/05/2025

WIC Approved Baking/Desserts for the Holidays

Get ready for the holidays with some sweet treats to share with friends and family this season! 🍪 Baking with kids can be a fun bonding activity and can also help them learn baking measurements and steps, practice fine motor skills, and how to read recipes! 🌟

Check out these recipes for desserts using WIC ingredients: www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/recipes/desserts.html&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1763588161585400&usg=AOvVaw33yfNDqVucSBduliyB_Mfq

12/03/2025

Nutrient Highlight - Vitamin A

Vitamin A is famous for its role in keeping our vision sharp, but it’s also a superstar for overall growth, embryo development, and a strong immune system.
The good news is that Vitamin A-rich foods are often at their peak during the colder months! Think of those bright orange and dark leafy greens: carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, spinach, and collard greens.
Your WIC benefits make it easier to bring these healthy, colorful foods to your family's table. Reach out to WIC for more information and nutrition tips for your family: https://wic.nj.gov/participantportal/en/

12/02/2025

Cozy Meal Ideas for the Whole Family

Con la llegada del frío, es el momento ideal para preparar comidas reconfortantes y nutritivas que toda la familia pueda disfrutar. Inspírese con nuestras recetas favoritas para el invierno con alimentos aprobados por WIC:
🥣 Puede preparar avena, sémola de maíz o crema de trigo con sus ingredientes favoritos (fruta fresca o congelada con su leche favorita O queso y un huevo encima para una opción salada)
🍚 Arroz y frijoles, enlatados o secos, con sus condimentos favoritos (puede cocinar el arroz en caldo para darle más sabor)
🍜 Sopas y guisos con las verduras favoritas de su familia (puede añadir legumbres o pasta integral para aumentar el valor nutricional de su receta)
¿Cuáles son las comidas favoritas de su familia en invierno? 🍲 ¡Compártalas en los comentarios!

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As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to make warm, nourishing meals that your whole family can enjoy! Get ideas with our winter weather favorites using WIC-approved foods:
🥣 Oatmeal, grits, or cream of wheat with your favorite toppings (fresh or frozen fruit with your favorite milk OR cheese and an egg on top for a savory option)
🍚 Rice and beans, canned or dried, with your favorite seasonings (you could cook your rice in broth for extra flavor!)
🍜 Soups and stews using your family’s favorite veggies (you can add in beans or whole grain pasta to boost the nutrition of your recipe)
What are your family’s favorite winter meals? 🍲 Share in the comments!

12/01/2025

Winter Family Activities

Whether it gets snowy where you call home or stays warm, there are fun winter activities you can do with the little ones in your life!
Here are some cozy and active winter activity ideas:
❄️ Bundle up and make snow castles with recycled containers like reusable, rectangular baby wipe containers or sandcastle supplies
📚Take a trip to your local library to check out your favorite seasonal books
🍿Build a pillow and blanket fort to watch your favorite movie or show in
☃️Make a snowman or snow animal together



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Ya sea que en el lugar donde usted vive nieve o haga calor, ¡hay actividades invernales divertidas que puede hacer con los más pequeños de la casa!
Aquí tiene algunas ideas de actividades invernales acogedoras y activas:
❄️ Abrigarse bien y hacer castillos de nieve con recipientes reciclados, como envases rígidos de toallitas húmedas o moldes de playa
📚 Visitar la biblioteca local para buscar sus libros favoritos de temporada
🍿 Construir un fuerte con almohadas y mantas para ver su película o serie favorita
☃️️ Hacer juntos un muñeco de nieve o un animal de nieve
¿Cuáles son las actividades de invierno favoritas de su familia?

11/24/2025

Family Caregivers Month

We see you caring for aging parents or family members while also juggling your own kids’ busy schedules, childcare, and household management! Check one more thing off your list and get support by enrolling in WIC. WIC is here and ready to help your family with healthy foods, breastfeeding and peer support, and more; visit https://wic.nj.gov/participantportal/en/ to find a clinic near you!

PS—thank you for everything you do for your family and loved ones! Your support and hard work don’t go unnoticed! 💖

11/21/2025

Nutrient Highlight: Vitamin B12

This tiny vitamin plays a big role in your and your little one's health: Let's talk about Vitamin B-12! ✨
B-12 is found naturally in animal products. Great sources of B-12 include meat, poultry, & fish; eggs & dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese); and foods fortified with B-12 (check labels on cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast)! 🐟🍳🧀

A special note for our vegan/vegetarian families: Since B-12 isn't found in plants, fortified foods or a supplement is often necessary. Talk to your WIC nutritionist—we're here to help! 🫂
You've got questions? We've got support! If you're concerned about your B-12 intake or have questions about your diet, your local WIC clinic is your go-to resource. Let's work together to keep your family thriving.
Visit https://wic.nj.gov/participantportal/en/ to get connected!