Maternal/Infant Food & Nutrition Programming Committee

Good nutrition is a foundation for health—and a birthright. We’re here to make sure mothers and babies have what they need to thrive.

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What we do as the Maternal/Infant Food & Nutrition Programming Committee

Nutrition is one of the first gifts a mother gives her child—and it can shape lifelong health. The Maternal/Infant Food & Nutrition Programming Committee is dedicated to ensuring that women and their babies have access to the nourishment and support they need before, during, and after pregnancy.

Through education, community partnerships, and improved access to healthy food options, we’re helping build stronger beginnings and brighter futures for families across Kentucky.

Maternal Nutrition and Food Insecurity: The Facts

Food insecurity is a critical public health issue that directly impacts maternal and infant health outcomes. In Kentucky and across the U.S., limited access to nutritious food is linked to increased rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM), particularly among low-income and high-risk populations.

According to the 2020 Title V Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment, two of the most frequently identified maternal health concerns in Kentucky were.¹

Lack of parental education and awareness of available resources.
Poverty-related barriers, including food insecurity and limited access to fresh, quality food.

Proper nutrition is a modifiable risk factor for hypertension and other pregnancy-related complications. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, supported by the NIH, has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low sodium intake. ²

The Maternal Vulnerability Index identifies communities with elevated risks due to social, economic, and health system factors. These areas often overlap with regions experiencing the highest levels of food insecurity and maternal health disparities.³

Fueling Health Through Food and Nutrition

Nutrition is foundational to maternal and infant health. The Maternal/Infant Food and Nutrition Committee is working to reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum people across Kentucky—especially in communities facing the highest risks. Our strategy includes:

Mapping and expanding access to food and nutrition programs

We’re conducting a statewide review of maternal and infant nutrition initiatives—from federal programs like WIC and SNAP to local efforts like Fresh RX and hospital-based services. This review will identify gaps and ensure families can easily find and access the support they need.

Creating a centralized, public resource hub

A comprehensive, publicly accessible list of food and nutrition programs will be compiled and shared across agencies and communities. This tool will help connect families to fresh, affordable food and nutrition education—especially in areas with high maternal vulnerability.

Developing affordable DASH-based nutrition resources

To address hypertension—a leading cause of maternal morbidity—we’re creating a culturally relevant, budget-friendly DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) recipe guide tailored for low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals. These resources will be available online and in print.

Promoting nutrition as prevention

Proper nutrition is a modifiable risk factor for hypertension and other pregnancy-related complications. By equipping families with the knowledge and tools to eat well, we’re helping prevent severe maternal morbidity and supporting healthier pregnancies and recoveries.

Resources

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income people buy food for healthy meals at participating stores. If you do not speak English or have a disability, free language assistance and other services are available upon request. For assistance, call toll free (855) 306-8959 or TTY (800) 627-4720. After the recorded message, you will be connected to someone who can help you with an interpreter.

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Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services- Women, Infants and Children’s Program (WIC)

WIC is a nutrition education program that provides nutritional counseling, breastfeeding support, education, nutritious foods, and referrals to health care services. WIC improves the health of pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5.

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