The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is hosting an outdoor event Aug. 6 in a celebration to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world and here at home.

Around 500 WIC program participants are expected to attend the event at the Community Services Facility located at 251 E. Hackett Rd. in Modesto.

The front sidewalk of the building will function as a resource exhibit space and a fun place for families to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 3 through 9. Beginning at 9 a.m., the day will include a breastfeeding lounge, health screenings, and informational booths designed to raise awareness about breastfeeding community resources.

There will also be infant weighing stations, face painting for children, and a fire truck showcased for children.

Held in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), this year’s theme for the event is “Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life.” The theme showcases the progress made towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals, a set of goals the United Nations developed in 2000 to continuously promote healthy and sustainable living around the world.

According to the County’s release, “Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need and can help reduce child mortality, improve mental health, and ensure environmental sustainability.”

WIC is a federally funded health, nutrition, and supplemental food program that helps pregnant and postpartum women as well as infants and children under five eat well and stay healthy.

Sponsors and participating agencies include:

·      Stanislaus County Health Services Agency

·      Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program (NEOP)

·      La Leche League of Stanislaus County

·      Stanislaus County Department of Child Support Services

·      Health Net

·      Health Plan of San Joaquin

·      Modesto Gospel Mission

·      Paratransit, California Highway Patrol

·      Central Valley Opportunity Center

·      Stanislaus County Office of Education

·      Stanislaus County Library

·      Parent Resource Center

·      Modesto Pregnancy Center

·      Center for Human Services-Oakdale Family Resource Center

·      Golden Valley Health Centers

The day’s events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.