The federal government, and many state and local government agencies, sponsor numerous programs designed to provide people with information about, and access to, a more nutritious diet. Many of these programs also are intended to improve the health and eating habits of our nation's children. The WIC program provides nutritious foods that add to the diets of pregnant and nursing women, infants, and children under five years of age. It also provides nutrition education and access to health services. WIC is administered by the Department of Agriculture through the state health departments.
Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk as determined by a health professional.
For more information about this program, contact your local or state health department. NPE is a food program designed to assist older people. It is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services through the state agencies on aging. NPE is part of the Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging, which also authorizes in-home services for the frail elderly, supportive services, and senior center operations. The nutrition services program assists elderly Americans by providing them with nutritious meals.