WIC Simplified

How the Community Food Bank is Transforming WIC Services

Community Food Bank has been working to simplifyand enhance access to essential services like the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. With dedicated efforts, strategic partnerships, and newfound resources, we are committed to ensuring that every eligible family can easily access the nutrition and support they need. Here's how we're making it happen.

A Boost in Resources

Thanks to a generous grant from the Food Research Action Center, we've been able to significantly streamline the WIC application process. This funding has allowed us to address one of the most common barriers to accessing WIC benefits: the complexity of the application and enrollment process. With these resources, we've been able to introduce new systems and practices that simplify the process and make it more accessible for everyone.

Bilingual Resource Navigators

We understand that language can be a significant barrier, so we have bilingual resource navigators who are dedicated to guiding families through the WIC process. These navigators are offering personalized assistance, answering questions, and ensuring that every applicant feels confident and supported throughout their journey. Their expertise and compassion make a world of difference for those who might otherwise find the process overwhelming.

WIC CIAO navigators running a mobile market booth at St. Mary's OBGYN offices

WIC Champions Leading the Way

At our events, we proudly feature WIC Champions—community members who have firsthand experience with the WIC program. These individuals share their stories, provide valuable insights, and offer encouragement to those who are new to the program. Whether they're attending our Mobile Markets or engaging with visitors at the Market on Main, their presence helps demystify the process and empowers others to take advantage of the resources available to them. In exchange for their expertise, WIC Community Champions are receiving a half or full seasonal farm share from our friends at Green Junction Farmstead!!

Two of our amazing WIC Community Champions at a mobile market serving Centro Head Start

Partnering for Success

In addition to our internal efforts, we are thrilled to partner with Early Morning Orchards to provide WIC food boxes. These boxes are specifically designed to meet WIC nutritional guidelines and are available for pickup at our pantry. By collaborating with Early Morning Orchards, we're able to offer fresh, high-quality produce and other essential food items that support the health and well-being of families in our community.

Example of a WIC Share box from our friends at Early Morning Orchard

Harvest Mobile Market and the Market on Main

Our Mobile Markets and Market on Main events have become vital platforms for distributing WIC benefits and fostering community engagement. These events are not just about providing food—they are about creating a supportive environment where families can access resources, receive guidance, and connect with others. Our Mobile Markets bring WIC benefits directly to food deserts, making it easier for families to participate without having to travel far.

Agricultural workers accessing fresh foods from our Harvest Mobile Market at La Plaza in Palisade

A Commitment to Support

At the Community Food Bank, our mission is to serve our community with dignity and respect. By focusing on improving the WIC application process and leveraging our resources and partnerships, we are working to ensure that every family has the opportunity to thrive. From bilingual assistance to WIC Champions and fresh food partnerships, every effort is geared toward making the WIC program more accessible and effective.

We invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through volunteering, attending our events, or spreading the word, your support helps us build a stronger, healthier community for all. Together, we can make sure that every family has the support they need to flourish.

For more information on how you can get involved or access WIC services, email info@foodbankgj.org or call us at (970)640-0336.