The Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) stands at the intersection of food security and public health. Its targeted, time-limited services are proven to improve birth outcomes, support positive child growth and development, boost breastfeeding rates, reduce iron deficiency anemia, increase immunization rates, and connect families with social service and healthcare referrals.

Since its inception in 1974, WIC has served millions of low-income pregnant and new mothers, babies, and young children. Its combination of nutrition education, nutritious foods and yearly health care visits strengthen families long after their WIC eligibility has ended.

WIC provides nutrition education, nutritious supplemental foods and referrals to health and other social services for low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age five. It also offers nutrition education and counseling for men. The Women, Infants and Children program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

CEDA operates the largest WIC program in Illinois with more than 50,000 participants. Each participant receives vouchers for healthy supplemental foods, personalized nutrition counseling with a dietitian and yearly healthcare appointments at the WIC office. Breastfeeding support is offered at every WIC session, and a wide range of additional health services are available for eligible families.

The Illinois WIC program serves suburban Cook County residents who meet category, residential, income and nutritional risk requirements:

Eligible women and children include those who are:

In the bustling urban landscape of Chicago, where diverse communities thrive, accessing crucial resources like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is paramount for many families. WIC offices in Chicago across Chicago play a pivotal role in providing nutritional support and healthcare referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. Here’s an insightful look into what WIC offers and where you can find these vital services in the Windy City.

Understanding WIC and Its Benefits

WIC is a federal program aimed at supporting low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk. The program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other social services.