On October 30, Denton welcomed a new grocery outlet that serves only participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Located at 306 N. Loop 288, the 2,000‑square‑foot store operates as a counter‑service market, offering fresh produce, WIC‑approved pantry items, baby formula and other necessities.
Why a WIC‑only store matters
WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health‑care referrals for eligible families. By consolidating approved foods under one roof, the store simplifies the redemption process for mothers and caregivers, reducing the time and travel often required to shop at multiple locations.
Partnerships that made it possible
Grocery Services North, a chain that focuses exclusively on WIC retail, partnered with Serve Denton, a nonprofit campus that houses dozens of community organizations. Serve Denton helped customize the space to meet the program’s requirements, ensuring a welcoming environment for families.
Reina Sandoval, senior district manager for Grocery Services North in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area, noted that the Loop 288 site previously housed a WIC clinic, so many participants are already familiar with the location. Alex Lopez, director of store openings for the chain, said the site was chosen for its proximity to existing WIC clinics and the lack of a dedicated WIC grocery option in the area.
Hours and accessibility
The store is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing flexible shopping times for working parents and caregivers. Its counter‑service model allows staff to verify benefits quickly, keeping lines short and the shopping experience efficient.
County support and broader health initiatives
The opening follows Denton County Commissioners Court’s recent approval of a $90,774 grant for the WIC Perinatal Mental Health Navigation Project. The grant supports the integration of validated mental‑health screenings into WIC services at three county clinic sites, aiming to identify and address perinatal mental‑health concerns early.
WIC Director Fabiola Vanegas emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, “Maternal mental health is an essential part of the health and well‑being of mothers and families in our community. By integrating these interventions into WIC services, we can identify concerns earlier, strengthen referrals to care, and support healthier pregnancies and postpartum experiences.”
Expansion of WIC‑only stores in Texas
Grocery Services North has been expanding its footprint across the state, with recent openings in Lewisville, Fort Worth, Austin and other Texas locations. The Denton store adds to a growing network that aims to make nutritious, WIC‑approved foods more accessible to families throughout the region.
Community leaders and families have welcomed the new store, noting that it fills a critical gap in the local food‑access landscape. By offering a one‑stop location for WIC benefits, the store supports healthier diets for children and strengthens the overall well‑being of Denton County families.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Denton — read the source article.
