Kansas

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

Food Assistance Programs

1. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

The Kansas WIC program offers 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: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers (up to baby's first birthday), postpartum women (up to six months after birth), infants, and children under five. Applicants must meet income guidelines and reside in Kansas; U.S. citizenship is not required. Learn more

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP offers financial assistance to low-income individuals and families for purchasing food. Pregnant women and families with young children may qualify based on income guidelines. For more information and application details, visit the Kansas Food Assistance page.

1. Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition

This organization provides resources and support to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding across the state. They offer educational materials, advocacy, and connections to local breastfeeding coalitions.

1. K-State Research and Extension Nutrition Education: Kansas State University offers educational programs to help individuals and families make healthy dietary choices. These programs cover topics such as meal planning, budgeting for healthy eating, and understanding nutritional information.

Nutrition Education Programs

1. Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

EFNEP provides 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.

1. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (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.
How to Participate: Receive FMNP vouchers from your WIC office and use them at participating farmers' markets.

1. Infant and Toddler Nutrition Resources

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment provides resources on feeding healthy foods and drinks to infants and toddlers, from birth to 24 months of age. Parents and caregivers can explore these resources to find nutrition information that helps give their children a healthy start in life.

1. Nutrition Education Materials: The Kansas Department of Health and Environment provides a collection of nutrition education materials covering topics such as maternal nutrition and breastfeeding. These resources are available for download at the KDHE Nutrition Education Materials page.

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

• Kansas Food Bank: Offers food assistance and can help with SNAP applications.
• Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas: Provides food pantry services to eligible families.

These programs and resources collectively aim to support the nutritional health and well-being of pregnant and nursing women, newborns, infants, and children in Kansas.>