The federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supports the health of more than 6 million pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children by providing them with nutritious foods and ensuring they have access to important medical care. The food and nutritional support WIC provides can help ensure a healthier pregnancy, fewer birth defects, lower rates of anemia, improved dietary habits among young children and reduced childhood obesity.

But despite the clear benefits of the program, WIC participation has been declining nationally and in Illinois. Some of the reasons cited include limited food choices, inflexible application requirements and stigma associated with receiving government assistance.

WIC Chicago: Comprehensive Guide to Benefits and Eligibility

To better understand how to increase WIC Chicago participation and retention, researchers conducted in-depth interviews with mothers at eight participating WIC agencies across the state of Illinois. Using a standardized interview schedule, they gathered information on factors that influenced participants’ perceptions and prioritization of WIC food packages and services.

While several factors influenced prioritization, most significantly, respondents prioritized their ability to buy WIC foods at stores with low or no wait times. Participants also valued the opportunity to receive nutritional education and breastfeeding support. They negotiated the value of WIC foods based on cost, health, convenience and taste while taking into account the circumstances of their families’ poverty.

Women, infants and children who are at nutritional risk and earning below 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for the WIC program. Eligible families may receive nutritional education, breastfeeding support, health screenings and nutritious supplemental foods for up to five years. View the full non-discrimination statement (PDF).