Missouri

Food assistance and nutrition programs available to pregnant women and mothers in Missouri:

Food Assistance Programs

1. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: The Missouri WIC program offers supplemental nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education to pregnant women, postpartum mothers, and children under five. Participants receive vouchers for healthy foods, personalized counseling, and referrals to healthcare services.

Eligibility: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. Applicants must meet income guidelines and live in Missouri; U.S. citizenship is not required.
How to Apply: Schedule an appointment at a local WIC office. WIC clinics offer flexible hours.

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. Pregnant women are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Eligibility: Must meet income and resource limits. Pregnant women may qualify even without meeting work requirements.
How to Apply: Apply online via the MyDSS website, or visit a local Family Support Division office.

1. Food Banks and Pantries: Local food banks and pantries throughout Missouri provide emergency food assistance to families in need.

Missouri Food Bank Association coordinates with 6 regional food banks and more than 1,500 local agencies, including pantries and meal sites.
Contact: 573-634-7776

1. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): This program offers food assistance to low-income individuals and families. TEFAP works with food banks and pantries to provide federally-sourced food to eligible participants. Learn more

Eligibility: Low-income households. Income eligibility varies based on household size and other factors.

1. Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): SFMNP provides low-income seniors with vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets.

Eligibility: Seniors aged 60 or older with low income.
How to Participate: Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging or senior service agencies. Learn more

Nutrition Education Programs

1. Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): EFNEP offers 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 University of Missouri Extension.

1. Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): The FMNP provides fresh produce to WIC participants at authorized farmers' markets. This program promotes access to local, nutritious foods. Learn more

Eligibility: Must be a current WIC participant.
How to Participate: WIC recipients receive FMNP vouchers that can be used at participating farmers' markets.

1. Cooking Matters Missouri: offers hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education to help individuals and families make healthy and affordable food choices. The program provides free workshops that teach participants how to prepare healthy meals on a budget.

Eligibility: Open to all families who need nutrition and cooking education

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) SNAP-Ed in Missouri helps eligible individuals and families learn how to eat healthy on a budget. The program provides nutrition education classes, cooking demonstrations, and other resources to SNAP recipients. Learn more

Eligibility: Low-income individuals and families who qualify for SNAP.

These resources offer comprehensive support for pregnant women, mothers, and families in Missouri. From emergency food assistance to nutrition education, these programs aim to help improve health outcomes by ensuring access to nutritious foods and educational resources.