Cavel’s Head Start and WIC Story

“I love that these two programs put education and nutrition together. It goes hand in hand to give our kids the roadway to success!”

Cavel, her husband, and three kids – Marcus (8), Bryson (4) and Emily (3) have participated in Head Start and WIC programs for the past few years. They started on WIC in North Carolina after Bryson was born, and signed him up for Neighborhood House Association’s (NHA) Early Head Start when he was 18 months – right after they moved back to San Diego. Now, Emily is also on both programs.

NHA Head Start

Cavel says NHA Head Start has helped her youngest two kids socialize and get into a routine to prepare them for going to school when they’re older. “When they do go to school, it’s not going to be like ‘Where’s mommy? What’s going on?’ Because they are already used to having that structure and it’s really good for them.”   

She didn’t realize Head Start was a nationwide program until after Bryson joined. “I wish I did know because I do see the difference with the eldest and the middle one,” said Cavel. Both of her sons are on the spectrum, which has its challenges. While both of them are doing well, she has noticed how NHA Head Start has helped Bryson.  “Head Start was so attentive working with him. You can tell they really care.” 

Family Style Meals at Head Start

NHA Head Start has been great at attending to Bryson’s dietary needs as well. He has food allergies and can be picky. “Bryson is really worried about texture. He also doesn’t like different foods to touch. If it has a certain color, he won’t touch it,” said Cavel. The family style meals at Head Start have helped Bryson try new types of foods. “He’s more likely to try things that he wouldn’t try at home sometimes because the other kids are eating it. So, I love that!”  

Healthy Food Benefits from WIC

Having WIC’s healthy food benefits has also been a huge help for the family. “Especially with the economy right now and everything being more expensive, I really appreciate WIC. I can get basic things that are healthy, so the kids are still getting those nutrition things that they need,” said Cavel. “I read an article that said most Americans don’t get their daily amount of fruits and vegetables. I love the fact that I can say that my kids do, because WIC makes that accessible for my kids.”  

Fruit and Vegetables Benefits

The increased fruit and vegetable benefit since the start of the COVID pandemic has made a massive difference. “My eldest, Marcus, liked blueberries for the longest, and now he’s really into blackberries. The middle one, Bryson, loves bananas. My youngest, Emily, she loves apples. I love that I’m able to access those types of fruits.” Her kids’ fruit preferences will change from time to time, but thanks to the fruit and vegetable benefits, she always has a type of fruit that each of them likes.  

Nutrition Education 

One type of food Bryson doesn’t like to eat is meat, because of the texture. WIC supported Cavel by reminding her of other foods that provide similar nutrients. “I know that beans are good for you and if you don’t eat meat, that’s a good source of protein and fiber.” Yet with so much going on in her family life, it was helpful to talk this through with a WIC counselor. “I was talking about Bryson and how he doesn’t eat meat and certain other things, and the counselor said: ‘What about trying certain types of beans or legumes?’ I completely forgot that I could get that. So, even if you already know those things, having that just reaffirms it so you don’t forget and stay on top of it.” 

“I feel like both programs are great,
and I feel like they’re needed.”

It Takes a Village

For Cavel and her family, participating in both NHA Head Start and WIC has really complemented each other.  “I feel like both programs are great, and I feel like they’re needed.” WIC has helped ensure they have healthy foods at home, and taught her more about nutrition, which she can pass down to her children. NHA Head Start has provided a much-needed routine and caring early childhood educators to help promote development in her children and have ensured they are getting the nutrients they need when they’re away from home. “It’s good to know that even when you’re not with your children, you can trust that they’re giving them healthy foods to eat.”