Mississippi

Pregnant women and mothers in Mississippi have access to various food assistance and nutrition education programs aimed at enhancing health and well-being. Below are key resources available:

Food Assistance Programs
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
The Mississippi 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
Referrals to healthcare services
Eligibility: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. Applicants must meet income guidelines and be at medical or nutritional risk. Residency in Mississippi is required; U.S. citizenship is not necessary.

How to Apply: Schedule an appointment at a local WIC office or apply online through the Mississippi WIC Application. Learn more

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet income and resource limits. Pregnant women may qualify without meeting work requirements.
Apply online through the Mississippi Department of Human Services SNAP Application or visit a local SNAP office.

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

• Mississippi Food Network: Offers food assistance and can help with SNAP applications.
• Hunger Coalition of Northeast Mississippi: Provides food assistance and SNAP application help.
• Delta Health Alliance: Offers food pantry services to eligible families.

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: Hands-on classes in meal planning, budgeting, and healthy cooking.
How to Access: Contact your local Mississippi State University Extension Service office. 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.
How to Participate: Receive FMNP vouchers from your WIC office and use them at participating farmers' markets. Learn more

By utilizing these resources, pregnant women and mothers in Mississippi can access nutritious foods and gain valuable knowledge to support their families' health and well-being.