One lesson I learned well in my early years as a volunteer adult literacy tutor is that people cannot learn if they are hungry. One solution to that problem is WIC, the supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. The program targets a vulnerable group with healthy food when they need it most.

With the federal government shut down, many of our adult literacy students may not get to get the important nutrition they need. For pregnant women and growing babies, every meal counts. If you want to help, my first suggestion is to check with a local pantry about what they can actually use. Always ask first before donating anything perishable that needs a refrigerator.

Here are a few items from the WIC shopping list you can donate to help:

1. Low sugar cereals like Cheerios, Kix, Total, and their generic equivalents
2. Peanut butter…no sugar added!
3. Frozen vegetables: peas, corn, collared greens, whatever
4. Whole wheat bread
5. Baby formula
6. Fresh fruit & veggies from farmer’s markets (I know it’s the end of the season)
7. Skim milk and low fat cheese

Let’s make it peanut butter jelly time!