Health and Nutrition Services

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, is a supplemental nutrition program focused on eating healthy for moms and kids. WIC can provide nutrition education, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods and referrals to other services as needed.

CEDA operates the largest WIC program in Illinois, now serving over 46,000 clients. Clients are eligible for all WIC benefits, including vouchers for WIC foods, personalized counseling with a nutritionist, and individual and group education.

Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for WIC, you must either be pregnant; be breastfeeding; have had a baby in the past six months; or have a child or infant younger than five years old. You must also have a health or nutrition risk and meet income guidelines (185% of the poverty level).

Parents, legal guardians or caretakers who have medical and financial responsibility for the child may apply for WIC benefits.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202)720-6382 ( TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer .

Download Brochures:

• Arabic Brochure
• English Brochure
• Spanish Brochure (Folleto Español)
• Polish Brochure (Polska Broszura)

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

CEDA’s Summer Feeding Program is designed to fill the nutrition gap that occurs during the summer months, making sure children can get the nutritious meals they need. CEDA serves approximately 68,000-90,000 nutritious meals in Suburban Cook County each summer. The meals include breakfast, lunch and snacks from 18 -23 different locations.

To Become a Summer Feeding Intake Site:
CEDA is looking for local organizations, who want to combine a feeding program with a summer activity program.
CEDA SFSP partners receive free nutritious meals and snacks for children 18 years and younger, at approved and supervised sites in the low-income areas. Schools, public agencies, Park Districts and private nonprofit organizations call can apply to participate. All approved sites will receive free training before starting the program to learn how to plan, operate, and monitor a successful food service program.

Contact Suman Sood to apply: 312-795-8613. Lily Mangahas 312-795-8893

Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association (CNNSSA)
Meals on Wheels Foundation of Cook County (MOWF)

The Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association was born out of a meal service program operated by the Community Economic & Development Association (CEDA) in the 1970’s. In 1986 the CEDA meal program became the Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) (now called Age Options) allocated funds to and approved CNNSSA as a for-profit organization. Meals are provided by Preferred Meal System.

In 2001 the Meals on Wheels Foundation (MOWF) was created as the fundraising, community outreach, and public awareness arm of CNNSSA. MOWF has raised over $2 million in cash and $100,000 in equipment donations. As of September 2008, over 14,000 generous donors have given to the foundation in support of CNNSSA’s mission.

In 2005, CNNSSA sought out and was awarded contracts to begin serving seniors not only in suburban Cook County but also in Grundy and Kendall Counties. CNNSSA is now one of the largest senior meal providers in the nation. In 2007, CNNSSA served over 600,000 meals to 8,400 seniors in Northeastern Illinois.

Throughout these three counties, where service is provided, there are 21 Group-Dining sites, 20 of which also serve as meal distribution hubs for the Home-Delivery program. CNNSSA has expanded the Home-Delivery program so some seniors receive meals seven days a week, while others remain on the five-meals-a-week plan. Each senior who receives Home-Delivered meals also receives a set of three shelf stable meals at the beginning of each winter in case inclement weather prevents CNNSSA from making it to their door.

For more information call:
(312) 207-5290

Eligibility and Intake Sites:
Seniors wanting to receive meals on wheels need to be assessed by a Case Coordination Unit to determine eligibility. Call the Suburban Area Agency on Aging (708) 383-0258 for the location of the Case Coordination Unit in your area.