The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves as
a vital resource for families involved in the child welfare system. This session will provide
CASA volunteers and advocates with focused knowledge of Maryland WIC's nutritional
benefits, enabling them to better support families in accessing quality foods and building healthy eating habits.
Participants will learn about WIC eligibility and the specific approved foods that provide
essential nutrients and vitamins for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. The primary focus will be on understanding how WIC-approved foods contribute to a balanced diet, including key vitamins and minerals critical for maternal and child health. The session will also highlight Maryland's WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which
provides seasonal coupons to purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, further
supporting nutritional variety and balanced meals.
The workshop will introduce MyPlate.gov resources for meal planning and demonstrate how
CASA advocates can help families maximize WIC benefits as part of holistic support. Interactive
elements will include visual guides to WIC-approved foods, their nutritional benefits, and
practical handouts that participants can use when working with families. 

About The Presenter

Janelle Joyce-Pelsey: is an Engagement Specialist with the Maryland Department of Health's
Maternal & Child Health Bureau, where she creates outreach strategies, educational materials,
and digital content for the Maryland WIC program. With direct experience as a former WIC
Certifier, she brings firsthand knowledge of participant needs and program implementation.
Janelle holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and bachelor's degree in
Health Studies, and is a Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and holds Infant Mental
Health Endorsement (IMH-E®). Bilingual in Spanish and English, she specializes in culturally
responsive health communication, particularly for minority populations and non-English
speaking families. Janelle has conducted numerous presentations and trainings for community
partners, healthcare providers, and stakeholders across Maryland. She is trained in traumainformed care, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Mental Health First Aid, and serves
on the Anne Arundel County Commission for Women and the Maryland Perinatal Neonatal
Quality Collaborative's Parent and Baby Advisory Council.