DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) is partnering with Hy-Vee to make shopping a little bit easier.
Right now, that partnership is being carried out by the state’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It’s being expanded to Hy-Vee stores to help offer online ordering and pick-up for program users.
The pilot program first started back in February with a store in Des Moines. Since then, the program expanded across the sate and into Minnesota and Nebraska. That program was funded through a grant by the Center for Nutrition and Health Impact. You can read more about their programming here.
Kelly Garcia, HHS Director, shared her thoughts about the partnership in a press release sent out on Friday.
“This is yet another incredible example of a public-private partnership that will greatly benefit individuals receiving WIC benefits in our state,” said Garcia. “The goal of this program is to provide easier access and convenience—and every parent of young children wants the convenience while balancing work and life.”
Anyone that qualifies can use their eWIC card during the check out process online. Those items can then be picked up at the nearest participating Hy-Vee store.
The WIC program was created nationwide back in 1974, with their first Iowa clinic opening in Davenport in March of that same year. You can read more about WIC and how their programming works by clicking here.