Maryland

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

Food Assistance Programs

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

The Maryland WIC Program provides eligible participants with

• Supplemental Nutritious Foods: Including whole grain bread, tortillas, milk, cheese, eggs, cereals, peanut butter or dried beans, fruit or vegetable juices, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Nutrition Education: Guidance on healthy eating habits and meal planning.
• Breastfeeding Support: Access to breastfeeding classes and assistance from lactation consultants and peer counselors.
• Referrals: Connections to health and social services. Eligibility include: pregnant women, new mothers (up to six months after delivery), breastfeeding mothers (up to one year after delivery), infants and children under five, must meet income guidelines and have a nutritional need. Learn more

To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC agency or or call 1-800-242-4942.

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)

SNAP-Ed offers nutrition education to low-income individuals and families, aiming to improve dietary habits and promote physical activity. While specific programs in Maryland may vary, SNAP-Ed resources include:

• Educational Materials: Resources on healthy eating, budgeting for food, and meal preparation.
• Workshops and Classes: Sessions on nutrition, cooking, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Eligibility: Must meet income and resource limits, U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens with qualified status, able-bodied adults aged 16-60 must meet work requirements

Learn more

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 include hands-on classes in meal planning, budgeting, and healthy cooking, and education for youth aged 6-18 through schools and community programs. 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

How to Participate

Receive FMNP vouchers from your WIC office during the summer months. These vouchers can be used at participating farmers' markets through November 30. Learn more

Food Banks and Pantries

Maryland Food Bank Initiatives
The Maryland Food Bank collaborates with community partners to address food insecurity among vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. Programs may include:
School Pantry Program: Provides food to families through schools, encouraging parental involvement and reducing stigma associated with seeking assistance. Learn more

Pregnancy Aid Center
Provides food assistance and support services to pregnant women and families. Located at 4809 Greenbelt Rd., College Park, MD 20740. Learn more

Community Food Bank
Serves the Hagerstown area at 601 Washington Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740. Learn more
These programs collectively aim to support the nutritional needs of pregnant women and nursing mothers in Maryland, promoting healthier outcomes for both mothers and their children.