Family-Run Store Makes Grocery Shopping Easier for WIC Clients

It can be embarrassing at the supermarket checkout line if things do not go smoothly. For example, it could turn out that coupon you have for the two-for-one frozen pizza expired last month. Now you have seconds to decide whether to pay full price for both, or extend the painful process by having them taken off the bill. And then there’s the possibility of those “Oh, geez” looks from the shoppers behind you frustrated with a wait.

The situation at the grocery store can be worse if you are using WIC (Women, Infants and Children) vouchers and have to adhere to a 20-page authorized food list. The federal program, which is implemented by the state, is a good one. It genuinely tries to help low- to mid-income mothers with children under age five to provide much healthier and nutritious diets for their families.

The guidelines are another matter. Ingredients, size, and brand all come into play. Separate vouchers are needed for different food groups. It is a nightmare of regulations. No brown eggs. Only two brands of soy milk in certain size containers. Only sweet potatoes and yams are allowed—not any other potatoes. The list goes on and on. Ultimately it is very sensible eating, but far too complex for a mother with child in tow to navigate easily at the supermarket.

This is where My Family Nutrition of Lemon Grove comes in. It provides easy one-stop shopping for anyone using WIC vouchers. The store only sells goods that fully comply with the state-mandated guidelines. This family-run business offers both convenience and superior service for all of their clients.

“We get to know our customers,” said family member Tiffany Habib. She said people really appreciate the hassle-free ease of shopping here. Habib told me that, unlike some other WIC stores, they only carry high-quality brand-name products—Hansen’s Juices, Sara Lee, and Kellogg's, among others.

Everyone at the store stressed that this is a family business, and by helping other families it has made their family even stronger.

is located at 6963 Broadway, between College Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue. They also have another location at 2850 National Avenue. In addition to WIC vouchers, they also take EBT and cash. The store hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. You can visit the website, or call 619-335-5154 for more information.