Health & Benefits

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal food assistance program for families with young children and no income or low income. In Illinois, the program is run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). It is separate from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. A person can be eligible to receive both WIC and SNAP benefits.

WIC helps: 

• Pregnant women,
• New mothers for up to six months after giving birth,
• Breastfeeding mothers for up to one year after giving birth, and
• Young children under five years old, including foster children. 

They must also reside in Illinois and have income that is equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. WIC does not check an applicant’s immigration status.

The program allows families to buy infant formula and certain healthy foods, like fruits & vegetables, milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, whole grains, dry beans or peas, and peanut butter

In addition to a WIC card, eligible families can receive checks to purchase fresh produce from certain farmers and farmers' markets through the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.

WIC also provides other benefits, like immunizations, health care referrals, and nutrition and breastfeeding education.

People must apply at their local office. The IDHS website has a list of WIC offices in Illinois. For more information, call the Illinois WIC program at (217) 782-2166 or visit the IDHS website.