One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to support your family's health is to eat the rainbow! Rather than focusing on any single food, think variety. When you fill your plate with a lot of different colorful fruits and vegetables, you give your body a wide mix of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that work together to keep everyone healthy, energized, and strong.
A big benefit of variety is a happy gut. Your body is home to trillions of tiny microbes that make up your microbiome, which is essential for digestion, immunity, and even mood.
These helpful microbes thrive on a wide range of plant foods, so the more colors and types you eat, the more diverse and resilient your microbiome becomes. Challenge yourself to eat 30 or more different plant foods each week!
For little ones six months and up, this variety fuels fast-growing bodies and curious minds while helping them become adventurous eaters. During pregnancy, a colorful and varied diet supports both you and your developing baby. Best of all, eating the rainbow works for everyone at the table, from grown-ups to babies just starting solid foods.
Not sure where to start? Ask your family consultant for age-appropriate ideas and recipes to incorporate colorful fruits and vegetables into family meals all summer long!
Parent Family Community Engagement
BY JENNIFER HEPINSTALL
PARENT FAMILY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Welcome to June!
I am so happy that summer has finally arrived here. With school ending for many children, it’s a great time to get out, explore your community, and connect with other families.
This spring, we completed our Family Outcomes Assessment, which we conduct twice each year in the fall and again in the spring. This assessment helps us learn about families’ strengths, and growth areas where additional support may be helpful. The information families share helps guide our planning and services.
One message stood out: families value connecting with other families of young children and are seeking ways to do so. We often hear from families how much they value connection in surveys, conversations, and at our events. Connections can help strengthen family well-being, reduce isolation, and build a network of support.
As you prepare to enjoy the summer months, we encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to connect in your community. We have compiled a list of free and low-cost family activities and events, including the splash pads listed below. Please reach out to your Home Visitor or me if you would like additional ideas.
We would also love to hear from you! What are some additional ways MSEHS could help families connect with one another? Your ideas help us create meaningful opportunities for families.
Splash Pads in Area Parks
• McEuen Park – 420 E. Front Ave., Coeur d'Alene • The Landings – 3849 Long Meadow Dr., Coeur d'Alene • Bluegrass Park – 6071 N. Courcelles Parkway, Coeur d'Alene • Syringa Park – 2975 N. Bunchgrass Dr., Post Falls • Tullamore Park – 3673 E. Bogie Dr., Post Falls • Beck Park – 2610 Howell Rd., Post Falls • Majestic Park – 5750 W. Majestic Ave., Rathdrum • Travers Park – 2016 Pine St., Sandpoint
Our grant for next program year was officially approved, ensuring continued funding and support for services for 2026-27.
Jennifer presented our Spring Family Outcomes Assessment and staff has identified key focus areas for the coming months, including financial wellness, helping children manage emotions, access to recreational opportunities, smoking cessation resources, community engagement, and establishing consistent family routines.
We're enrolling families now
We are currently enrolling families! If you or someone you know is expecting a child or has a child up to 36 months, reach out to learn more about our free home-based program in Bonner, Shoshone and Kootenai counties.
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