Teaching Families about Healthy Eating
Employee Spotlight | Lacey Nally, WIC Nutritionist
Lacey Nally’s best days at work are when she’s able to help someone with an urgent or specific need. “It feels like a victory when I have the right resources or knowledge to help someone overcome a hurdle,” said Lacey, an Open Door WIC Nutritionist in Madison County. In her role, she works to meet the needs of pregnant women, mothers, and young children who receive nutrition benefits and education through WIC.
“It’s a wonderful feeling when a client shares that what you recommended three months ago really worked,” said Lacey, a registered dietitian. “I really want my clients to feel comfortable sharing about their challenges so we can work together to find solutions.”
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a nationwide federally funded program that improves access to nutritious foods for qualifying families. Open Door is the administrator of WIC in Madison and Delaware Counties. WIC nutritionists, nurses, lactation peer counselors walk alongside parents and caregivers in creating healthy eating and lifestyle habits. Peer counselors help parents navigate any challenges that may come with breastfeeding, providing guidance and support.
Lacey loves getting families excited about eating foods that are good for them. She was drawn to nutrition because she believes in its power to change lives. “If kids and families create healthy eating habits now, they can avoid a lot of serious health issues in the future,” she said.
In 2023, Lacey went above and beyond her usual duties, providing additional services within the department during staffing transitions. She sent hundreds, if not thousands, of texts to WIC families so they would stay up-to-date on the latest WIC updates and education. In Open Door’s annual employee awards program, Lacey received the 2023 “Maximize Potential Award” for her efforts.
“I’ve seen first-hand how important WIC is for our families,” she said. “I didn’t want them to miss out.”
Lacey is known by her co-workers as a committed and valuable team member. “She is so incredibly knowledgeable,” said Erin Brock, lead WIC nutritionist in Madison County. “She’s our go-to person for more complex questions about WIC, nutrition, and breast feeding.”
Marian Miller, a WIC peer counselor, agrees. “Lacey is always willing to lend a helping hand and share her extensive knowledge with others,” she said. “Working with her is an absolute pleasure.”
Thank you to Lacey and all our caring WIC staff for your work to keep babies, kids, and families in East Central Indiana healthy!