WIC Now Available at Gem City Market
After addressing operational challenges, Gem City Market is now accepting WIC benefits, providing crucial access to healthy food for local mothers and children.
Gem City Market Welcomes Back WIC Program, Committed to Serving Low-Income Families
Gem City Market, located at 324 Salem Ave in Dayton, has announced the return of the WIC program, effective immediately.
WIC, or the Women, Infants, and Children program, is a federally funded initiative administered by the State of Ohio that provides low-income mothers and their children with vouchers for essential groceries like fruits, vegetables, eggs, and infant formula.
“This is really exciting news for Gem City and the customers we serve,” said Amaha Selassie, President of the Gem City Market Board of Directors. “Our board and staff have worked hard to get this service back for our community. We’ve worked closely with the State of Ohio and even brought in a new wholesaler who is more experienced with WIC.”
The market had previously suspended WIC participation in September 2022 due to operational challenges.
“WIC is fairly easy for the customer but unfortunately can be tough for small retailers to manage,” explained Mark Willis, Director of the Hall Hunger Initiative, a longtime partner of the Gem City Market.
WIC requires specific product selection, specialized equipment, and staff training, which can be resource-intensive for smaller businesses. However, Gem City Market, committed to serving its community, took the necessary steps to overcome these hurdles.
“Two thirds of the Gem City Market’s customers live in households under the area median income, with about 30% living below the poverty line. Over 20% of our total sales come from SNAP/EBT purchases, well above an average independent grocer,” Selassie said.
“Gem City Market was created to serve the community and providing WIC is another way we reach our mission,” concluded Selassie.
