Hy-Vee becomes the first retailer in Iowa to offer WIC online shopping and grocery pick-up

Families who use the Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program, commonly known as WIC, can now order their groceries online and or use store pick-up at one Iowa grocer.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced it is partnering with Hy-Vee to allow families to order WIC-eligible items online and pick up the items like many people do while grocery shopping. Families can use the eWIC process to purchase groceries if they already qualify for the program.

“This is yet another incredible example of a public-private partnership that will greatly benefit individuals receiving WIC benefits in our state,” said HHS Director Kelly Garcia in a news release. “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.”

How can I use the eWIC card for online shopping in Iowa?

Families can go to any of the approved grocery stores and use the eWIC card in person or on Hy-Vee's website. A list of approved grocers can be found on the HHS website. In Polk County, it includes many Fareway, Hy-Vee, Target and Walmart locations.

To apply for WIC, contact the local WIC clinic. There are more than a dozen different WIC locations across the state. The WIC site in Des Moines is located at 1801 Hickman Road.

What is WIC?

WIC supplies supplemental foods, breastfeeding and education for low-income families who are pregnant, breastfeeding or non-breastfeeding postpartum. Infants and children up to 5 years old who are at a nutritional risk can qualify.

To access WIC, you must:

• Meet the current income guidelines
• Have an Iowa address
• Have a medical or nutritional need

WIC serves roughly 62,000 individuals in Iowa, according to HHS.

Do other stores offer WIC services via online shopping and for pick-up in Iowa?

Currently, Hy-Vee is the only retailer that Iowa WIC is partnering with for online shopping for the pilot program, according to an email from Alex Murphy, HHS's director of communications, to the Register.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.