about us
Nutrition First serves as the Washington WIC Association
We support and promote breastfeeding, good nutrition, and access to food through education and advocacy. Our efforts focus on the pre-natal and early childhood populations (with an emphasis on reaching low income families); promoting prevention and shaping the health of the next generation by decreasing risk factors for chronic disease through a lifetime of good nutrition. We feel that access to healthy food is a social responsibility, and we know that good nutrition prepares a child to succeed in school and reach their full potential. Nutrition First is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Mission
We support and promote good nutrition, breastfeeding, and equitable access to healthy foods through education and advocacy.
Vision
Well-nourished communities thriving in Washington State.
Membership
is comprised of those providing and/or administrating the WIC program, early learning professionals, Registered Nurses, Registered Dietitians, IBCLC’s and others with a passion in fulfilling our mission.
We would like to recognize our Lifetime Members – these individuals contributed a lifetime membership donation to Nutrition First:
Betty Clemmons
Susan Thiel
Lisa DiGiorgio
Malvina Goodwin
Barbara Krogstad
Stacey Webb
History
Nutrition First, formerly Washington Association of Local WIC Agencies (WALWICA), was founded in 1987 by six WIC staff members who recognized the need to bring together the collective knowledge of a WIC professional to strengthen the quality of services provided to low-income women, infants, and children.
2019 Board of Directors
President – Larisa Harvey
President-elect – Cindy Gamble
Treasurer – Stacey Busey
Secretary – Cindy Johnson
Mara Andrus, Delores Baccus, Season Fagan, Kelsey Kreiger, Ana Ortega, Paulina Spencer, Lisa Williams Fuchs, Aubrey Gamble
Staff
Carolyn Conner, Executive Director
Upcoming Events
Advances in Lactation Support Conference – A Trauma Informed Approach. June 3, 2020.
06/03/2020 @ 8:00 am – 4:30 pm – 2020 Annual Advances in Lactation Support Conference “A Trauma Informed Approach” Wednesday June 3, 2020 Emerald Queen Conference Center 5780 Pacific Hwy E, Fife WA 98424 This conference is for those who work with breastfeeding families and are ready to expand their skills and knowledge. This conference is new and different every year – with […]
Foundations in Lactation Support – Tuesday March 24, 2020. Edmonds, WA.
03/24/2020 @ 8:00 am – 4:30 pm – Again this year Nutrition First trainer Michele Crockett, IBCLC, PCPA, LLLL, will provide this great training that is perfect for those new to providing breastfeeding support. It’s also good for those who want a refresher on how to support breastfeeding families. This training covers staff roles, how to use client centered communication skills when talking […]
Building on Foundations in Lactation Support – Thursday March 26, 2020. Edmonds, WA.
03/26/2020 @ 8:00 am – 4:30 pm – This training moves past the Foundations training and addresses more breastfeeding challenges and resources. This is a great training for those who have already attended Foundations in Lactation Support (or similar) and are interested in enhancing their skills in lactation support. This training is open to those working in the community to support breastfeeding, and […]
Recent Job Postings
Vendor and Farmers Market Specialist – Office of Nutrition Services
Vendor and Farmers Market Specialist Vendor and Farmers Market Specialist (HSC3) Bilingual – Spanish (DOH4848) This position works with partners to enhance the health of individuals, families, and communities. As a Vendor and Farmers Market Specialist, you will join a team that is involved in all aspects of vendor and contractor management for the Women, […]