WIC Program--The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants, and Children The WIC Program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education and health screenings to income-eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. All program participants receive nutrition education regarding appropriate foods to eat during pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy and childhood to promote optional growth and development. WIC promotes breastfeeding as the optimal method of feeding an infant. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are available to provide support and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers. WIC provides referrals to social service and health care providers. WIC participants receive a food prescription in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed at authorized stores. Foods provided include those high in iron, calcium, vitamin A and C (such as milk and cheese), cereals high in iron, fruit juices, peanut butter infant cereal and juices. WIC clinics are located at 14 sites throughout Merrimack, Belknap and Grafton Counties with convenient daytime, evening and weekend hours. For information or to arrange an appointment call 225-2050 (Concord area) or 1-800-578-2050. Go to the direct link for information on WIC at http://www.bm-cap.org/wic.htm Link to income eligibility guidelines: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

Commodity Supplemental Food Program - CSFP This nutrition program offers participants free nutritious foods to supplement their diets. CSFP helps to improve the health of income-eligible new mothers (up to one year postpartum), children (up to age six) and seniors (aged 60 years and older) by providing nutrition education and a supplemental USDA commodity food package. The monthly food package provides a variety of foods such as cereal, nonfat dry and evaporated milk, juice, rice, pasta, egg mix, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat, poultry or tune, and cheese. Nutrition education is provided to participants and includes information on dietary intake, food preparation, food safety and recipes for preparing the commodity foods. Food is distributed at the Concord Warehouse and in communities throughout Merrimack, Belknap, Grafton, and Coos Counties. For information, call 225-2050 (concord) or 1-800-578-2050. http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/csfp/CSFP_IncomeGuidelines07.pdf

Farmer's Market Nutrition Program - FMNP The Farmer's Market Nutrition Program provides participants of the CSFP and WIC programs with coupons to purchase fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables that are locally grown from authorized farmer's markets during the summer months. The FMNP provides nutrition education, information on food preparation, and encouragement to participants to improve and expand their diets by adding fresh fruits and vegetables. The program supports local farmers in the State by introducing customers to them. Go to our website for an extensive list of nutrition information and resources. Click on the links for specific information. http://www.bm-cap.org/links.htm