Food assistance in Southeast Mississippi is being made available for new and expecting mothers

The assistance is provided through “prescriptions or vouchers” with the goal of improving outcomes during and after pregnancy. That’s according to Tom Engles, Administrator for the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Engles said, “This will provide [pregnant women] with good nutrition throughout her daily life. The mom is breastfeeding; going forward, this will make a big difference in that child’s life. We all know those early years are very formative years, and a healthy child grows up to be a healthy adult. That helps everybody.”

Around 1 in 5 Mississippians experience food insecurity, according to Feeding America. That challenge can be harder for women during pregnancy due to life stresses and additional expenses. Engles said he’s hopeful that local partners can help ease that burden on families and stretch these funds as far as possible.

“They know their communities; they know the individuals that are enrolled in these programs. They know how important these programs are going to be,” said Engles. “They want to be helpful. They want to help these families, so they will make sure this program is extended as long as it can, use the dollars as best as they can to help families as long as they possibly can.”

In addition to the food assistance, the program will provide educational materials to help families build healthier eating habits. 

Altogether, Engles said, “These are practical steps to help Americans live healthier lives.”