The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides nutritional counseling and supplemental foods to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutrition risk. It is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

WIC offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods and community referrals to health care and social service programs to infants, children up to age 5, pregnant women and postpartum women who meet Categorical, Residential, Income and Nutritional Risk Requirements.

Located in Chicagoland’s neighborhoods, CEDA’s six Chicago WIC offices Grocery Center locations offer a variety of name brand, nutritious, and 100% WIC-approved foods to participants, along with nutrition education. Each store also serves as a unique hub for participants, providing access to other programs and services offered by Catholic Charities. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. View our full non-discrimination statement. Click here to learn more about how to apply for the program.

Services Offered at Chicago’s WIC Offices

Chicago hosts multiple WIC offices strategically located throughout the city, ensuring accessibility for residents across different neighborhoods. These offices serve as hubs for comprehensive services that include:

1. Nutritious Food Packages: Participants receive checks or electronic benefits that can be used to purchase specific nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, and infant formula.
2. Nutrition Education: WIC staff provide valuable information on healthy eating, breastfeeding support, infant feeding practices, and the importance of physical activity tailored to the needs of each participant.
3. Breastfeeding Support: WIC encourages and supports breastfeeding mothers with counseling, education, and access to breast pumps where needed.
4. Healthcare Referrals: Participants are connected to healthcare providers and other community resources that can address medical, dental, and mental health needs beyond nutritional support.
5. WIC Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program: During the summer months, eligible participants receive additional benefits to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from approved farmers’ markets.