Mapo-gu runs year-round nutrition program for pregnant women, infants

Mapo-gu announced Tuesday that it operates a year-round nutrition support program providing supplementary food, nutrition education and personalized counseling to pregnant women and young children who need dietary assistance.

The program was designed to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women and children up to 67 months old who face risk factors such as anemia, stunted growth or poor dietary intake, and to help families maintain healthy eating habits at home.

This year, the district expanded hands-on sensory activities — letting young children see, touch and taste a variety of ingredients directly — moving beyond lecture-based instruction to help infants and toddlers become more familiar with different foods.

Eligibility is open to pregnant women and children up to 67 months old in households whose recognized income falls at or below 80 percent of the median income, as calculated through an assessment of household income and assets. Among those, participants must also have a confirmed nutritional risk factor — such as anemia, stunted growth or poor dietary intake — and go through a selection process before enrolling.

Support runs from six months up to a maximum of 12 months, and participants undergo regular nutritional assessments throughout to monitor changes in their dietary status.

Residents wishing to apply can contact the nutrition counseling office at the Mapo-gu Public Health Center for guidance on the application process, required documents and eligibility criteria.

Mapo-gu has operated the nutrition support program for pregnant women and young children since 2008.

District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said he hopes the program "will help children grow and serve as a reliable source of support for families who need careful nutritional care during pregnancy and childbirth."