Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, several programs offer food assistance and nutrition education to support pregnant women and nursing mothers:

Food Assistance Programs

1. Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program

The Massachusetts WIC Program provides

Healthy Foods: Access to nutritious foods, essential for maternal and child health.
Nutrition Education: Guidance on healthy eating and meal planning.
Breastfeeding Support: Assistance from trained peer counselors and lactation consultants.
Healthcare Referrals: Connections to medical and social services.
Eligibility includes pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers (up to one year postpartum), non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to six months postpartum), infants, and children under five years old. Applicants must meet income guidelines, reside in Massachusetts, have a nutritional need (determined by WIC staff).
To apply, visit here or call (800) 942-1007.

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP offers monthly benefits to low-income individuals and families to purchase nutritious food. Pregnant women and new mothers meeting income guidelines may qualify. SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education to help recipients make healthy food choices and manage resources effectively.
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and certain expenses. Pregnant women may qualify without meeting work requirements. Learn More

Food Banks and Pantries

Local food banks and pantries across Massachusetts provide emergency food assistance to families in need.

a. The Greater Boston Food Bank: Partners with over 600 hunger-relief agencies to distribute food across Eastern Massachusetts.

b. Merrimack Valley Food Bank: Provides nutritious food to programs serving individuals and families in 32 cities and towns.

To locate additional food banks and pantries, use the Massachusetts food bank locator.

Nutrition Education Programs

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.
How to Access: Contact your local UMass Extension office. EFNEP operates in various counties, including Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester. Learn more

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 over 4 months old. Learn more
How to Participate: Receive FMNP coupons from your WIC office and use them at participating farmers' markets. Each eligible participant receives a $30 coupon booklet annually. Learn more

Additional Support
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
TAFDC provides cash assistance to families with dependent children and pregnant women in their last 120 days of pregnancy. Benefits include financial aid, childcare support, and referrals to employment and training services.
For more information and application details, visit the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
These programs collectively aim to ensure that pregnant women and nursing mothers in Massachusetts receive the necessary food assistance and nutrition education to support their health and well-being.