About WIC Grocery
WIC Grocery and Nutrition Centers are Chicagoland’s one-stop shop for healthy, nutritious, high-quality, 100% WIC-approved products. Centrally located, they serve as vital hubs for underserved mothers and communities. They provide families access to nutrition education and other essential social services and resources.
​
History of WIC Grocery and Nutrition Centers
Operated by Catholic Charities since 1993, WIC Grocery and Nutrition Center locations were born out of a need to tackle various systemic issues in Chicago. They aimed to address the lack of adequate neighborhood grocery stores and major food chains refusing to risk locating in economically deteriorating areas, among other challenges. Three decades later, they remain the sole model of their kind nationally, steadfastly serving the same neighborhoods where they began
About WIC
Since 1974, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has provided healthy food, quality nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health screenings, and healthcare and social services referrals for millions of expectant and new parents, babies, and young children. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), WIC’s targeted, time-limited services are demonstrated to improve birth outcomes and support positive child growth and development, helping to grow a healthier next generation.
​
WIC stands at the intersection of food security and public health. First established to address the pernicious effects of early childhood malnutrition, WIC is distinguished from other federal nutrition programs through its integrated public health services and health screenings. These complementary supports are critical in achieving the improved health outcomes that set up WIC babies and young children for future life success. Since passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which reoriented the healthcare system toward preventive services, WIC’s successful nutrition intervention and established rapport with families have been increasingly leveraged to address systemic national health concerns, including childhood obesity, diabetes prevention, maternal and infant mortality, opioid and substance use, and lead exposure.
​
To learn more and apply for WIC benefits, visit: https://www.signupwic.com/