Ribbon-Cutting Set For New WIC Program At Gulfside Elementary

HOLIDAY, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is partnering with Pasco County Schools to provide Women, Infants, and Children services at “The Hub” at Gulfside Elementary School, 2329 Anclote Blvd. in Holiday.

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding assistance and referrals for health care and community services.

“This marks a significant and meaningful next step in Pasco County’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of our residents,” said DOH-Pasco’s health officer, Mike Napier. “With the commitment from the Gulfside staff, and the ongoing support from Superintendent Browning, this day was made possible and key to this site being opened today.”

Gulfside Elementary School is a Community Partnership School that provides a range of services to families through partnerships with agencies and organizations in the area such as the University of South Florida, Premier Community HealthCare, the YMCA and the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. Providing WIC services on a school campus is a first for Pasco County.

“This initiative is innovative and proactive and will provide tremendous benefit to our students and families,’’ said Pasco Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning. “We are grateful to DOH-Pasco health officer, Mike Napier, and his staff for making this a reality. We have a tremendous collaborative relationship and we’re always looking for ways to better serve our community.”

WIC services will be available at The Hub at Gulfside Elementary School every Wednesday.

A grand opening on Wednesday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Gulfside Elementary, will involve a traditional ribbon cutting as well as a tour of The Hub, where the school provides health services for students and their families.