An innovative new program allows parents of infants and toddlers to meet with a dietitian for feeding and nutrition guidance during well-baby checks at UnityPoint Clinic, Grundy Center. Pictured are Crystal Petersen, RD, LD, GCMH Dietitian and Dr. Eric Neverman, UnityPoint Clinic pediatric and internal medicine provider. Funds for the program are provided by the Community Health Grant program of the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Foundation. Photo submitted

GRUNDY CENTER – As part of its effort to support healthier communities, the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Foundation has awarded three community health grants to local organizations. One of the grants will impact the health of babies and toddlers.

The grant provides funding to support a partnership between UnityPoint Clinic in Grundy Center and Grundy County Memorial Hospital to provide parents with solid nutritional guidance. A registered dietitian-nutritionist is now meeting with parents at three well-child checks during their child’s first two years of life. During these appointments, the dietitian will be able to answer parent questions on nutrition and feeding, as well as provide parents with Feeding with Love, a nutritional guide purchased with grant funds.

“Parents want to do the best they can at feeding their children. This grant will allow us to provide parents with the best information possible and provide an opportunity to answer questions and provide guidance. We are excited that this grant has made it possible to partner with the UnityPoint Clinic in Grundy Center,” comments Crystal Petersen RDN LD, hospital dietitian.

Community health grants have also been awarded recently to Operation Threshold to support a gardening initiative and to Grundy County Public Health for assistance with its car seat safety check program. Grant applications are accepted three times each year, with the next deadline of July 1, 2017. Applications may be found on the hospital’s website at www.unitypoint.org/grundycounty/community-health-grants.