Mothers and Children

Each month, Focus: HOPE supplies a nutritious selection of foods to as many as 8,000 pregnant women, post-partum mothers, infants and children up to age six. The food consists of infant formula, cereal, milk, meat, vegetables, fruit, fruit juices and other products that are provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program helps prevent infant mortality and low birth weights, eliminates childhood anemia, and safeguards normal growth.

Mother Income Requirements

Mothers and children who reside in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties are eligible for the nutritious supplements if they meet the following income guidelines for 2008. Mothers do not have to be unemployed or receiving public assistance to qualify.

Mothers, Infants, Children

Based on 185 percent of Federal Income Guidelines

To be certified for the food program, please bring the following identification to a Focus: HOPE Food Center:

• Your Medicaid card and/or birth certificates for your children. If you do not have birth certificates, medial records or records from school or church may suffice.

• Your picture I.D. or two other documents with your current address.

• If you are employed or not receiving any form of aid, please bring your most recent pay stub, W-2 form, or proof of income.

The same individual may not participate in both the Focus: HOPE and W.I.C programs. However, it is permissible for different members of the same family to participate in both programs. For example, if a three-month-old infant is on the W.I.C. program, and the mother is not, the mother is eligible for Focus: HOPE until the infant reaches his/her first birthday.

Non-discrimination statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 325-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW , Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."