The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is expanding a partnership with Hy-Vee stores to offer online ordering and pick-up for participants.
Qualifying individuals can use their eWIC card during the online checkout process and easily pick up their items at their nearest participating Hy-Vee store.
The pilot for the WIC Hy-Vee partnership program began in February with one store in Des Moines, and expanded in early June across Iowa and into Minnesota and Nebraska through a grant from the Center for Nutrition and Health Impact.
“This is yet another incredible example of a public-private partnership that will greatly benefit individuals receiving WIC benefits in our state,” Iowa HHS director Kelly Garcia said in a release. “The goal of this program is to provide easier access and convenience – and every parent of young children wants convenience while balancing work and life.”
The WIC program was established nationwide in 1974, with the first Iowa clinic opening in Davenport in March 1974. WIC provides supplemental nutritious foods, health care referrals, breastfeeding support and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.
In 2024, WIC celebrates 50 years of providing support to the mothers, children and families in Iowa to assist them in leading healthier lives.
WIC is a program of the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
To learn more about Iowa WIC, go to https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/food-assistance/wic-Iowa