Minnesota

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

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

The Minnesota WIC Program provides

• Nutritious Foods: Access to healthy foods essential for maternal and child health.
• Nutrition Education and Counseling: Guidance on healthy eating, meal planning, and addressing individual nutritional needs.
• Breastfeeding Support: One-on-one assistance from lactation consultants and peer counselors before and during the breastfeeding journey.
• Referrals: Connections to health care and other social services.

Eligibility includes pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five who meet income guidelines.
To apply, visit the Minnesota WIC Online Application or contact your local WIC clinic.

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

SNAP-Ed in Minnesota offers

• Nutrition Education: Instruction on shopping for and preparing healthy meals on a budget.
• Healthy Decision-Making: Guidance on making informed food choices and understanding portion sizes.

These services aim to empower participants to lead healthier lives through better nutrition.

1. Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)

MFAP provides state-funded food assistance to legal non-citizens aged 50 or older who do not qualify for federal SNAP benefits.

1. Food Banks and Pantries

Local food banks and pantries across Minnesota provide emergency food assistance to families in need.
Hennepin County Free Food Resource Map: Provides information on food shelves, food box programs, and free meal sites. Learn more
Ramsey County Food Resources: Offers information on local food assistance programs. Learn more

1. Nutrition Education Programs

a. 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.
They provide Hands-on classes in meal planning, budgeting, and healthy cooking.
How to Access: Contact your local University of Minnesota Extension office or visit EFNEP – UMN Extension.

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 and use them at participating farmers' markets.

1. Community Action Agencies

These agencies offer various services, including

• Food and Nutrition Programs: Access to food resources and nutrition education.
• WIC and Child Care Programs: Support for families with young children.

They provide local, state, federal, and private resources to assist individuals and families with low incomes.

These programs collectively aim to support the nutritional needs of pregnant women and nursing mothers in Minnesota, promoting healthier outcomes for both mothers and their children.