FORK establishes birth to age four nutrition advisor

In August of 2020, Feed Our Rural Kids Inc. (FORK) expanded its programing to include children from newborn to age four.

The programs, the Formula Support program and Jump Start, are managed through a collaborative partnership between FORK and the Vilas County Health Department.

“FORK is excited to announce the addition of Teri Mason of the Northwoods Child Development Center to act as our birth to four nutrition support coordinator,” said FORK President Perry Pokrandt. “Teri’s experience with the age group, as well as the challenges facing families across the lower economic spectrum, will provide our organization with a new enlightened level of insight.”

The Formula Support program provides supplemental formula to families registered in the Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) program, that runs short of formula prior to benefit renewal at the end of the month.

Jump Start provides increased levels of fruits and vegetables, fresh, canned or frozen to families registered and qualified for WIC.

“I’m honored to be part of this hands-on effort to support the youngest and most challenged members of our community,” explained Mason. “Taking care of kids is what my team and I do every day at the Northwoods Child Development Center. This new responsibility is just an extension of that important job.”

Individuals with children who are newborn through age four can find out if they qualify for WIC support by calling the Vilas County WIC program at (715) 479-3782.

“FORK’s programs could never replace WIC support to young families,” explained Laurel Dreger, director of the Vilas County Health Department. “But they do provide this department with a few additional tools to support your children in eastern and central Vilas County.”

FORK is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.