Results tagged “WIC” from Food & Nutrition: Food Assistance Programs
The WIC Nutrition Program food packages are changing in healthy ways to better meet the nutrition needs of mothers, infants, and children. The new food selections will contain less fat and cholesterol, more fiber, fruits and vegetables year round. The foods for breastfeeding mothers and infants will be increased as well, to promote breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed infants.
The new foods will be provided to WIC families starting in October 2009, and will include:
- Fruits and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, and canned
- Whole grain cereals
- Whole grain breads
- Brown rice and oatmeal
- Soft corn and whole wheat tortillas
- Canned beans
- Canned salmon and sardines
- Soy beverages and tofu
- Baby food fruits, vegetables, and meats
For more information on the changes:
- Visit the New Hampshire WIC webpages or the USDA Food and Nutrition Services.
- Download a flier with more details on the new WIC Packages.
- If you have questions, contact the WIC Program at 1-800-WIC-4321 or wic@dhhs.state.nh.us.
This is an exciting time for the WIC Program with changes to our food packages that reinforce the nutrition education messages for healthy families!
Food Stamp Program The Food Stamp Program is available to individuals and families who meet the eligibility requirements for benefits. The good news is that the benefits are no longer stamps or coupons. Food Stamp recipients receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT card) which contains their benefits and operates similar to a regular bank debit card in the supermarket. People who use the card say that they feel they have more privacy in the grocery store now.
Food stamp benefits allow families to purchase any food in the grocery store. The amount you will receive in benefits depends on your family situation. Even if it is a small amount, it can help you have cash for other purchases you need to make.
Apply Online
Women, Infants and Children: Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)
Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Services provide nutrition education and nutritious foods to help keep pregnant women, new mothers, infants and preschool children healthy and strong through the NH WIC Program. The WIC Program has locations statewide and income eligible families are encouraged to apply. Recipients benefit because they can purchase foods of high nutritional value, important nutrients during critical times of life. Recipients receive their benefits in the form of vouchers that can be used at the supermarket. To apply for WIC benefits follow this link for information about where to apply.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
This program provides free food and nutrition information to seniors age 60 and over, children up to age 5, and postpartum women for a year after the birth of a child.
Apply for CSFP benefits in New Hampshire
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
Provides coupons to WIC recipients & low-income seniors allowing them to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at participating Farmers' Markets throughout the Granite State.
Find out more through the WIC office nearest you.
National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
Most public schools in New Hampshire offer free and reduced-priced meals to students who qualify. Check with your school to find out if it also offers free and reduced-price breakfast programs.
Families participating in these programs save on the food budget because their children receive at least one meal a day during the school year. These programs are available for school-aged children and teens who no longer qualify for WIC. Check with your child's school to get an application.
Meals on Wheels
Provides nutritious meals to seniors and adults in their home setting. The home- delivered meals program helps individuals meet their daily nutritional requirements while providing a daily check of the participants well being. Individuals make voluntary donations toward the cost of their meals. These meals are usually delivered by a local social service agency in the community.
Find the Meals on Wheels site nearest you
or call or visit the N.H. Service Link Resource Center in your county.
Senior Meal Programs
Senior meal programs are available to anyone over the age of 60. Called "congregate" meals, they are served in community settings, usually during lunch. To get more information, call or visit the N.H. Service Link Resource Center in your county.