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Idaho

Pregnancy, birth and the first year in Idaho, in 14 topics: from who runs maternal and child health to what happens at your newborn's screening.

Food Assistance and Nutrition Education

Pregnant women and mothers in Idaho have access to various programs offering food assistance and nutrition education to promote health and well-being:

Food Assistance Program
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
WIC is a federal nutrition program providing supplemental foods, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. In Idaho, WIC offers: Nutritious Foods, Nutrition Education, Breastfeeding Support and referrals to other health and social services. Learn More: The Idaho Foodbank

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, assists low-income individuals and families in purchasing food. Benefits are provided monthly via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at authorized retailers. Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on household size, income, and expenses. Details and application information are available through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. For more information, visit Idaho SNAP

Eat Smart Idaho
This program is managed by the University of Idaho Extension, Eat Smart Idaho provides nutrition and physical activity education for low-income individuals and families. The program focuses on: Healthy eating habits, Smart shopping, Food safety, Quick meal preparation, Managing limited grocery budgets and Increasing physical activity levels. Learn More at the Eat Smart Idaho

Emergency and Community Support in Idaho
The Salvation Army of Idaho
The Salvation Army offers meal programs, food baskets, and other forms of assistance to families in need across Idaho. These services ensure that families facing financial hardships have access to nutritious food and other essential resources. For more information, visit the Idaho Salvation Army.

Idaho 2-1-1
Idaho 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects individuals to critical community resources, including food assistance and nutrition programs. Call 2-1-1 or visit the Idaho 2-1-1 for more information.

Nutrition Education Programs
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
This program provides vouchers to WIC participants and seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from approved farmers' markets. It encourages families to access nutritious, locally grown food while supporting Idaho farmers. Learn more about FMNP in Idaho by visiting the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program

Cooking and Nutrition Education Programs
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), run by the University of Idaho Extension, offers hands-on classes in meal planning, budgeting, and healthy cooking for low-income families. These programs help families make healthy food choices and stretch their food dollars. Learn more about EFNEP Idaho at the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

Many public health centers across Idaho also offer nutrition education as part of prenatal and parenting support. These services ensure that pregnant women and families have the tools and knowledge to make healthy food choices, improving the well-being of both mothers and babies.

These programs and resources help families in Idaho maintain a healthy lifestyle by providing access to nutritious food and important nutrition education.

Looking for an organization near you in Idaho?

Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, WIC clinics, milk banks and more are listed by county. Enter a ZIP code or city to see yours.