In recognition of their outstanding breastfeeding support program, Washtenaw County WIC has been honored with a Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Washtenaw County WIC is one of two recipients in the state of Michigan honored with this prestigious award.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this award recognizing our breastfeeding work on a national scale,” says Gayathri Akella, MS, RD, IBCLC, Washtenaw County WIC Supervisor. “Our entire team goes above and beyond to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding for our WIC clients.”
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and kids up to five years old who are income eligible. Over half of all babies born in Washtenaw County participate in WIC.
“Washtenaw County WIC was selected for this award because of our strong community partnerships and efficient protocols,” says Duaa Cannon, RD, CLC, Washtenaw County WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. “We’re always looking for ways to effectively address gaps and inequities in our services and resources. This award recognizes our work to continually assess and respond to our community’s needs.”
The WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence program was established to recognize local WIC agencies that have provided exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities. This program highlights innovative breastfeeding promotion and support activities planned by local agencies to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among WIC participants. It is coordinated by the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
August is National Breastfeeding Month
To celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, Washtenaw WIC is organizing multiple events to offer breastfeeding support and resources to WIC clients. 
All events will take place at 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti.
- National Breastfeeding Month Celebration: Tuesday, 8/16 from 4-7pm
- Encuentro Social Con Helado: Thursday, 8/25 from 4-5pm
- Black Breastfeeding Week Celebration: Tuesday, 8/30 from 3-5pm
To connect with Washtenaw County WIC, call 734-544-6800.
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