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Louisiana

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

Food Assistance and Nutrition Education

In Louisiana, pregnant women and nursing mothers have access to several programs offering food assistance and nutrition education:

Food Assistance Programs

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

The Louisiana WIC Program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services for eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to five years old. Participants receive benefits such as milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Eligibility: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women, infants, and children under five who meet income guidelines and reside in Louisiana. U.S. citizenship is not required.

  1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food. Pregnant women may qualify for SNAP benefits without meeting work requirements, subject to income and resource limits.
Eligibility: Based on income and household size, with special considerations for pregnant women.

Nutrition Education Programs

  1. Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

EFNEP offers hands-on nutrition education for limited-resource families, focusing on healthy eating, meal planning, budgeting, and food safety. Classes often target families with young children and pregnant women.
How to Access: Contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension office or parish cooperative extension.

  1. WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

The WIC FMNP offers eligible participants food benefits to purchase locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers' markets and roadside stands. Each qualifying participant receives a $50 benefit card annually. This program is available in select parishes; interested individuals should contact their local WIC clinic for availability.
Eligibility: Current WIC participants in Louisiana.
How to Participate: Receive FMNP vouchers through your WIC clinic and use them at participating markets.

Food Banks and Pantries
Local food banks and pantries across Louisiana provide emergency food assistance to families in need, often including fresh produce and staple foods.

  1. Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana: Provides food assistance and help with SNAP applications. Learn more
  1. North Louisiana Food Bank: Serves northern parishes with food distribution and nutrition programs. Learn more
  1. Catholic Charities of Louisiana: Offers food pantry services in several parishes. Learn more

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