by Nancy Steves
The free events are set for Erie, Chautauqua and Niagara Counties
There is much fun to be had at the WIC Healthy Baby Festivals as shown in these photos from past events in Dunkirk, Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Young and expectant families are invited to free Healthy Baby Festivals planned in five cities across three counties by the Catholic Charities Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program during July and August.
The festivals are scheduled from 11
a.m. to 1 p.m. in Erie, Chautauqua and Niagara counties beginning at Allen Park in Jamestown on July 24, followed by: Delaware Park (corner of Colvin Avenue and
Amherst Street) in Buffalo on July 27; the Hyde Park Splash Pad (corner of Pine Avenue and Hyde Park Boulevard) in Niagara Falls on Aug. 1; Washington Park in Dunkirk on Aug. 3, and Altro Park on Willow Street in Lockport, Aug. 8.
Children will be able to take part in a variety of activities, including face painting, games, crafts, Movin’ and Groovin’ and the appearance of popular children’s characters from Paw Patrol and Doc McStuffins. Parents and parents-to-be will have the chance to stock up on educational and informational resources. The Buffalo Zoomobile will visit the Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Dunkirk and Lockport sites. All the festivals feature prizes and giveaways.
Catholic Charities’ WIC hosts the events in collaboration with sponsors BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, the World Alliance of Breastfeeding Action and Lake Erie Medical Services PC. The festivals celebrate World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1-7 to raise awareness about the significance and benefits breastfeeding provides to babies and mothers, alike.
The Healthy Baby Festivals are supported by more than 50 local community agencies across the three counties offering resources and activities.
All are encouraged to attend, especially expectant mothers, families and caregivers.
Attendees are encouraged to pack a lunch.
“Our Catholic Charities WIC Healthy Baby Festivals are also for celebrating World of Breastfeeding Week, said Katie Constantino, Catholic Charities WIC breastfeeding coordinator.
“This year’s focus is on ensuring food security, preventing malnutrition and helping to break the cycle of poverty. WIC provides all of these supports to the families in our communities.”
No registration is required. For more information, call (716) 218-1484 ext. 2411, or go to ccwny.org/calendar.
Catholic Charities administers WIC in Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. The program served more than 25,000 women and children up to the age of five in 20 locations in the three counties in 2017.
WIC offers nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, prenatal and postpartum support, referrals and supplemental food vouchers. WIC services are available through application to married or single parents, foster parents or other legal guardians of a child under five. All services offered are free of charge.
For more information about WIC, go to ccwny.org/wic or call 716-218-1484.
Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to counseling and from specialized services for the elderly to help with job training and education. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assess its clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.
Catholic Charities receives the highest-possible rating (four stars) from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management and the highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service.
For further information about the organization and its services, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 856-4494 or go to ccwny.org. You can also check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo and on Instagram at Instagram.com/catholiccharitiesbuffalo.
