Join us in celebrating National Nutrition Month with Kiddos in the Kitchen March 5th from 5-6pm in Viterbo University’s Nursing Center Room 284!
Kiddos in the Kitchen: Reinventing Breakfast
Coulee Region Farm2School’s Harvest of the Month – Yogurt
Did you know that yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium and potassium? Yogurt also has beneficial probiotics, live bacteria, that help keep our digestive system healthy! Although yogurt is typically considered a healthy food, many varieties contain a lot of added sugar. A good rule of thumb is to choose yogurt with under 23 grams of sugar per 6 ounces. Or choose plain yogurts and sweeten with maple syrup or honey and then add fresh fruit, granola, or whole grain cereal for a tasty snack!
2017 Healthy Living Heroes Announced
In November the greater La Crosse community nominated youth, individuals and organizations to be recognized as Healthy Living Heroes for their efforts to make La Crosse County a healthier place to live, learn, work and play. The review committee selected the following recipients:
Youth Award Winner: 7 Rivers Students
This group of young individuals completed a project to help the homeless. They partnered with local agencies and individuals to host a fundraiser which included a soup and dessert cook-in. All collected funds were used to provide the homeless community with individual care packages including gift cards for local businesses and warm clothing items among other necessities.
Individual Honorable Mention: Tyler Heinz
Tyler’s big heart, entrepreneurial mindset and personal vision have helped to create a series of events that allow people of all ages and abilities to improve their health through running. Tyler and his staff at Grand Bluff Running have created free runs, training groups and post-run celebrations for people of any ability.
Individual Award Winner: Linda Riddle
In her position as Member Service Coordinator at the People’s Food Co-op, she creates classes and events that empower people of the La Crosse community regarding health and wellness. Linda views access to nutritious food as a critical element to a just society. She prioritizes working with people who are often left out of the “healthy food” conversation.
Organization Honorable Mention: WisCorps 
This non-profit organization makes such an impact on not only the La Crosse community but on communities around the state and beyond. Offering a real life work experience for young adults centered on conservation and obtaining lifelong skills, WisCorps makes its mark not only in the community but for the individuals involved.
Organization Award Winner: Pioneering Healthier Communities 
This group of dedicated individuals has done an immense amount of work to improve La Crosse and the surrounding communities in a variety of ways. As a community based coalition, they set their aim high and made strides in healthy eating and physical activity, through educational opportunities, working with local businesses and conducting assessments with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.
Healthy Living Heroes were awarded at the annual January meeting with plaques and a hot, healthy breakfast on January 12 at the Myrick Park Center. Formed in 2009, the Healthy Living Collaboration has taken charge of bringing together groups that work to promote nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco-free living; three behaviors that are major contributors to chronic disease and premature deaths among La Crosse County residents.
17 Local Childcare Providers Now Recognized as Breastfeeding Friendly!
17 childcare providers in La Crosse County have completed the process to becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Provider in 2016 & 2017 benefiting >500 La Crosse area children. Childcare providers received support from the Western Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition, the La Crosse County Maternal and Child Health team, and The Parenting Place to achieve the 10 Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care. Steps to achieve the Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare recognition include: establishing and following supportive breastfeeding policies for consumers and employees, annually providing education opportunities to all staff on breastfeeding promotion and support, and providing accurate information and resources for families about breastfeeding. Childcare providers that meet the 10 Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care must pass reassessment every 2 years to maintain recognition.
Abbie Loos RD, IBCLC at the La Crosse County Health Department and chair of the Western Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition states “So many moms struggle with balancing motherhood and returning to work. Making the transition back to work while breastfeeding can sometimes take teamwork and support. The more people that can be on mom’s side to cheer her on and support her breastfeeding goals, the more likely she will be to succeed. Our local childcare providers play an integral part in helping these moms meet their goals and to be able to provide the breastmilk their babies need while mom is away at work. We are lucky to have so many childcare providers in the La Crosse area who are so interested and willing to provide this support for Moms.”
To see the full list of Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare providers visit the Western Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition website at www.wwbcoalition.org.
Childcare providers interested in working toward becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Provider in 2018 can contact Audra at The Parenting Place: (608) 784-8125.