By Jessica Martinez, RD, LDN 

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): A federal nutrition program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services. 

• More than groceries: Free cooking classes, fresh produce, and hands-on guidance help parents build confidence and healthier routines. 

• Donor-supported care: A visit for groceries can also connect families to broader wrap-around services that strengthen the whole household. 

Each month, more than 22,000 people visit our 10 WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) grocery stores, managed by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, in Roseland, South Chicago, Auburn Gresham, Englewood, Gage Park, Little Village, Douglas Park, Austin, Logan Square, and Belmont Cragin. Our WIC Mobile Market makes shopping even easier by traveling directly to multiple Chicago neighborhoods. 

For many families, that visit comes during one of the most demanding seasons of life. Parents are balancing rising costs, childcare, transportation, and the daily pressure of caring for their children. Because of donor support, we are able to offer wrap-around services that provide families with practical help, encouragement, and care that extends well beyond their immediate need for food. 

More Than Groceries 

We provide both virtual and in-person cooking classes throughout the year to WIC participants at no cost to them. We also purchase fresh produce from local farmers from July through September and provide a prepackaged bundle to each of our shoppers at no additional cost. We want to support participants holistically beyond supplying the essential WIC benefits. 

During one of our cooking classes, we had a very young mom, nervous to volunteer to help prep the recipe, but was encouraged by the group to step in. Our amazing nutrition associate, Dream, took her hand into her hand and guided her through the steps, until she eventually had the confidence to prep and chop alone. Seeing her confidence grow, even in that short amount of time, is something that always sticks with me. You never know how these small moments of support can affect those we serve. 

That support matters because many mothers want to make healthy choices but need practical tools that fit real life. In our stores, nutrition associates like Dream answer questions, share simple recipes, and offer guidance that helps families feel more confident at home. Donor generosity helps turn nutrition support into something deeper: education, trust, and healthier routines families can carry forward. 

Wrap-Around Care That Strengthens Families 

At Catholic Charities, we know if our clients seek us out for one need, they may have other needs as well. A parent who comes in for groceries may also need emergency assistance, counseling, case management, or help navigating other serious pressures affecting the household. Because donors make this work possible, families can find comprehensive, wrap-around care that responds to the fuller reality of their lives. 

That is what it means to go beyond the basket. We are not only helping meet an immediate need — we are helping build confidence, stability, and hope for families across Chicago. And every act of generosity helps keep that care close to the neighborhoods and families who need it most. 

To help families in need, visit: www.catholiccharities.net/give or call (312) 655-7525. 

Jessica Martinez is director of WIC nutrition for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.