Indiana

In Indiana, several programs and initiatives provide food assistance and nutrition education to support pregnant and nursing women, newborns, infants, and children:

Indiana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

The Indiana WIC Program is a nutrition assistance initiative aimed at promoting healthier eating and lifestyles among low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. It offers:

Nutrition Education: Personalized counseling and educational resources to encourage healthy eating habits and active lifestyles.
Supplemental Foods: Provision of nutritious foods to supplement diets, ensuring essential nutrients are available during critical growth periods.
Breastfeeding Support: Access to breastfeeding counselors and resources to promote and support breastfeeding practices.
Healthcare Referrals: Connections to health and social services for comprehensive support.

The program serves approximately 145,000 individuals monthly through a network of 140 clinics statewide.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must

Be a resident of Indiana.
Be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have infants and children up to age five.
Have a family income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level or participate in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.
Be assessed by a health professional to determine nutritional risk.

Indiana Health Centers WIC Services

Indiana Health Centers provide WIC services, including Nutrition and health education, Breastfeeding support, Assistance from nurses, dietitians, lactation consultants, and nutrition assistants at no cost to eligible participants.

Marion County Public Health Department – WIC Program

This program offers Nutrition information, Supplemental foods, and Referrals to health and social services for eligible pregnant and postpartum women and children up to age five.

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) Indiana

NFP is a free program supporting first-time mothers by connecting them with registered nurses who provide support, advice, and information for a healthy pregnancy and guidance on infant care and development.

This partnership aims to promote positive health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

Local WIC Programs

Various counties and organizations in Indiana offer WIC services, providing nutrition support, breastfeeding assistance, and referrals to other agencies. Examples include:

Community Action Program, Inc. of Western Indiana: Offers nutrition support, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other agencies.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families, including pregnant women and children, to purchase food necessary for good health. Eligibility and application details can be found through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides financial assistance to pregnant women and families with dependent children to help pay for basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities. Information on eligibility and application procedures is available through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

These programs collectively aim to ensure that pregnant and nursing women, infants, and children in Indiana have access to necessary nutrition and support services to promote health and well-being.
In Indiana, several programs and initiatives provide food assistance and nutrition education to support pregnant and nursing women, newborns, infants, and children:

Food Assistance Programs

1. Indiana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: The Indiana WIC Program is a nutrition assistance initiative aimed at promoting healthier eating and lifestyles among low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. supplemental nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education to pregnant women, postpartum mothers, and children under five. Benefits include healthy foods, personalized nutrition counseling, and referrals to healthcare services.

Eligibility: Indiana residents who are pregnant, breastfeeding (up to the baby's first birthday), postpartum (up to 6 months), infants, and children under five. Applicants must be at nutritional risk and meet income guidelines; participation in Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically qualifies for income eligibility. Learn more

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP offers monthly nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families, including pregnant women and children, to purchase food necessary for good health. Eligibility: Applicants must meet income and resource limits. Households (except those with elderly or disabled members) must pass a gross income test at 130% of the federal poverty level. Learn more

1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF provides financial assistance to pregnant women and families with dependent children to help pay for basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities. Information on eligibility and application procedures is available through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

Nutrition Education Programs

1. Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): EFNEP offers nutrition education to limited-resource families with young children, focusing on healthy eating, food preparation, and budgeting.

Services: Hands-on classes in meal planning, budgeting, and healthy cooking.
How to Access: Contact your local Purdue Extension office. Learn More

1. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): The FMNP allows WIC participants to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers' markets, promoting access to local, nutritious foods.

Eligibility: Must be a current WIC participant; benefits are $30 per eligible individual.
How to Participate: Receive FMNP vouchers from your WIC office and use them at participating farmers' markets. Learn more

Food Banks and Pantries
Local food banks and pantries across Indiana provide emergency food assistance to families in need.

1. Gleaners Food Bank: Serves central and southeastern Indiana through a network of partner agencies.

Gleaners -

1. Food Bank of Northern Indiana: Offers food assistance programs and can help with SNAP applications.

1. Midwest Food Bank – Indianapolis: Provides food to nonprofit organizations and disaster sites.

1. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana: Serves multiple counties with food distribution and educational programs.

These programs collectively aim to ensure that pregnant and nursing women, infants, and children in Indiana have access to necessary nutrition and support services to promote health and well-being.