Connecticut

Pregnant women and mothers in Connecticut can access food assistance and nutrition education through various state and community programs aimed at improving their health and well-being. Here are the key resources available:

Food Assistance Program

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
The WIC program provides supplemental nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education to pregnant women, postpartum mothers, and children under five. WIC benefits include healthy foods, personalized nutrition counseling, and referrals to healthcare services. For more information on eligibility and call 1-800-741-2142 for local office information.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP offers monthly benefits to help low-income families purchase groceries. Pregnant women and mothers can apply for SNAP to ensure consistent access to nutritious foods for themselves and their families.

Connecticut Native American Health Program
This program offers nutrition education and support tailored to Native American communities in Connecticut. It includes culturally relevant dietary guidance and food assistance programs to support pregnant women and families.

Food Banks and Pantries
Local food banks and pantries across Connecticut provide emergency food assistance to families in need. Many partners with organizations to distribute fresh produce and other healthy food items.
Call Connecticut 2-1-1 or visit the Connecticut 2-1-1 website to find nearby resources.

Emergency and Community Support

The Salvation Army of Connecticut
Offers meal programs and food baskets for families in need, ensuring access to nutritious food for families facing financial hardships.

Connecticut 2-1-1
Provides referrals to food assistance and nutrition programs statewide. Call 2-1-1 or visit Connecticut 2-1-1 for more information.

Nutrition Education Programs

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP)
This program provides vouchers to WIC participants and seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from approved farmers' markets. It promotes local, nutritious foods while supporting Connecticut farmers.

Cooking and Nutrition Education Programs
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), run by the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension, offers hands-on classes in meal planning, budgeting, and healthy cooking for low-income families.

Many public health centers across the state also offer nutrition education as part of prenatal and parenting support, helping families make healthy food choices throughout pregnancy and beyond.

These programs and resources help pregnant women and mothers in Connecticut maintain healthy lifestyles by providing access to nutritious food and valuable nutrition education.