Public Health

Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL)

Eating well and moving well are two of the most important contributors to our health and well-being. Skagit County’s Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) coordinator works with partners in the community to find ways to make healthier choices easier choices.

Priority areas:

Access to healthy foods

Skagit Valley is known as one of the largest and most diverse agricultural valleys in the Puget Sound. The Washington Food & Farm Finder can help you find food sources for fresh, seasonal foods.

Check out the Produce of the Month!
Each month we’ll be featuring an in-season produce. Learn about it’s health benefits, various cooking methods, and try it out at home with a recipe!

2023

If you need help stretching your food budget, here are some ways to get help:

• Basic Food Program/SNAP –for individuals and families who meet income guidelines (updated every April). You can apply online, by phone at 877-501-2233 or in person. Application assistance is available through Community Action of Skagit County, the DSHS Community Services Office or United General District 304. Basic food enrollment will also qualify you for the following:
• SNAP Produce Match
• SNAP Market Match at Farmers Markets
• Free or Reduced School meals for children
• Head Start and Early Head Start for children ages 0-5
• Basic Food Employment and Training
• Skagit Fruit and Veggie Prescription Program –provides eligible participants with vouchers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, along with nutrition education and local resources for healthy eating and active living.
• Food Banks and Meal Programs –Find locations and hours here.
• Farmers Markets – Find locations and hours here.

Food assistance for pregnancy, breastfeeding, infants and young children:

• Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program – provides families with healthy food, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support. You may be eligible for WIC if you are pregnant, post-partum of have an infant or child under the age of 5 years old. Dad, grandparents, and other caregivers of children under the age of five may also sign kids up for WIC. WIC is available in these locations across Skagit County
• Anacortes
• Concrete
• Mount Vernon
• Sedro-Woolley
• Swinomish Medical Clinic

Food assistance for senior citizens:

• Senior Center Meals –nutritious noontime meals for seniors, available across the County.
• Meals on Wheels – provides hot and/or frozen meals to seniors who cannot leave their home without assistance and have difficulty preparing their own meals.
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors – provides monthly boxes of food delivered to your door. All food provided is shelf stable and includes milk, protein, cereals, vegetables and other items.

Active living ideas

• Skagit County Walking Trail Guide
• Washington Trails Association Hike Finder Map
• Skagit Nature Prescription Program – group nature walks for seniors and families and much more.