The WIC office in Chicago provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, community referrals and nutritious supplemental foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. This program is federally funded by the Department of Agriculture and is implemented locally by the City of Chicago Department of Public Health.

Personalized nutrition education is a critical component of the WIC program and includes one-on-one sessions in person or over the phone, interactive online seminars and group educational classes. Coaching strategies are used to optimize participants’ nutrition. For example, participants receive recommendations for maximizing iron intake during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, reducing lead exposure in their babies and children, increasing vitamin D levels, and addressing other common health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, anemia and lead poisoning.

WIC Office in Chicago: How to Apply and What to Expect

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to modernizing WIC and increasing the impact of its proven health impacts for the 6.6 million mothers, children, and infants who participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The Food and Nutrition Service today finalized updates to the foods prescribed under the program, including a boost to fruits and vegetables, which are key ingredients to a healthy diet. The changes are based on current nutrition science and reflect feedback received through public comment. This effort builds on previous updates to the WIC food package and is aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The updated food packages will help reduce racial disparities in maternal and child health outcomes.