State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD WITH HEALTHY FOODS!
Good nutrition is one way to protect your family from lead. From the start, breast milk provides the best nutrition and many health benefits for babies.
For children and adults, three key nutrients can play a role in protecting the body from the harmful effects of lead: calcium, iron, and vitamin C. These nutrients help the body absorb less lead and are part of a healthy diet. Choose a variety of foods daily.
SOURCES OF CALCIUM INCLUDE:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Cottage Cheese
- Pudding
- Calcium fortified orange juice
- Dark, leafy green vegetables
SOURCES OF IRON INCLUDE:
- WIC-approved cereals
- Legumes (peas, beans, lentils)
- Dried fruits
- Lean red meats, fish, chicken, turkey
- Dark, leafy green vegetables
SOURCES OF VITAMIN C INCLUDE:
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Strawberries
- Melons
- WIC-approved juices
MEAL PLANNING
It is important that your family has regular meals and snacks. This may help keep lead from being absorbed. Ask your WIC Nutritionist for more ideas on healthy food choices and serving sizes.
An example of one day of meals and snacks for your preschooler is below. Find more meal and snack ideas for your child at myplate.gov
Breakfast
1 ounce Grains
1/2 cup Dairy
1/2 cup Fruit
Morning Snack
1/2 ounce Grains
1/2 cup Fruit
Lunch
1 ounce Grains
1/2 cup Dairy
1/4 cup Vegetables
1 ounce Protein Foods
Afternoon Snack
1/4 cup Vegetables 1/2 cup Dairy
Dinner
1/2 ounce Grains
1/2 cup Dairy
1/2 cup Vegetables
1 ounce Protein Foods
Be careful when:
- Storing foods in imported lead-glazed pottery or leaded crystal.
- Fruits or veggies grown in lead contaminated water.
- Using imported spices and foods.
- Letting your child eat or drink away from the family table.
ALWAYS WASH HANDS BEFORE YOU EAT
LEAD CAN HURT YOUR FAMILY.
Lead is a metal that our bodies don't need. Too much lead in our bodies can cause problems, especially for children. Children exposed to too much lead may not look or act sick, but may have problems with growth and learning.
Talk with your doctor to see if you or your child should be tested for lead.
For more information Contact the Illinois WIC Program:
Monday-Friday during business hours
1-217-782-2166
1-866-324-5553 TTY/Nextalk or 711 TTY Relay
To find a WIC office closest to you Visit our website: www.dhs.state.il.us
If you have questions about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) programs, you may call the automated Helpline 24 hours a day at: 1-800-843-6154
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adapted from the Michigan WIC Program
DHS 4340 (N-09-17) Well Fed Means Less Lead Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois PO #17-2089 15,000 copies
