Expectant and young families are invited to five Healthy Baby Festivals planned for three counties during July and August by Catholic Charities Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. The free events offer activities for children and information for parents and run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at sites in Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.

Festival dates and locations are: Lockport in Altro Park on July 29; Jamestown in Allen Park, July 30; Niagara Falls in Hyde Park at the splash pad, July 31; Dunkirk in Washington Park, Aug. 1; and Buffalo in Delaware Park corner of Colvin Avenue and Amherst Street, Aug. 2.

Also featured will be games, face painting, crafts, educational resources, prizes and giveaways. The Buffalo, Dunkirk, Lockport and Niagara Falls festivals will include the Buffalo Zoomobile, and the Buffalo, Lockport and Niagara Falls festivals will offer Movin' and Groovin.' Families are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch.

Catholic Charities WIC hosts the events in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1-7), to raise awareness about the significance and benefits that breastfeeding provides.

The Healthy Baby Festivals will be supported by more than 50 local community agencies across the three counties, offering resources and activities.

All are encouraged to attend, especially expectant mothers, families and caregivers. Anyone interested in learning more about breastfeeding or in support of the importance of a healthy start for babies is welcome.

"Our Catholic Charities WIC Healthy Baby Festivals are not only fun for families, but they're also a wonderful resource for information about infant and child safety, nutrition, breastfeeding and so much more," said Judette Dahleiden, director of Catholic Charities WIC. "We really encourage expectant and young families to come out and spend the afternoon with us."

The events receive assistance from the annual appeal in support of Catholic Charities, and are sponsored in-part by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. The Buffalo event is also sponsored in part by the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network.

No registration is required.

WIC offers nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, prenatal and postpartum support, referrals and supplemental food vouchers. WIC services are available through application to married or single parents, foster parents or other legal guardians of a child under five. All services offered are free of charge.

For more information, call 716-218-1484 ext. 2411, or go to ccwny.org/calendar.