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 WIC provides nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding
education and support, and a supplemental food package including
cereal, milk, eggs, beans, peanut butter, whole grains, fruits, and
vegetables. WIC supports and promotes breastfeeding as the
healthiest and most nutritious way to feed an infant, but LCDPH also
offers supplemental infant formula to non-breastfed infants. WIC
also networks to connect families with other beneficial community
resources.
To make healthy eating more convenient, the WIC program is now
issuing families an EBT card to use when shopping at participating
food stores. This one EBT card you keep in your possession replaces
the use of having to handle multiple checks. Your EBT card will have
a set monthly benefit balance to allow you access to healthy foods
on a monthly basis for continued good nutrition.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a child under the age of
five and feel you may be income eligible, WIC may be right for you!
It is easy to apply and many working families may qualify. As part
of the program, WIC provides families with resources every month to
purchase healthy foods and provides information to prepare healthy
meals.
The monthly food package WIC provides includes the following:
• Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
• Whole grain cereals, breads, pasta, brown rice, whole wheat or
corn tortillas, and bulgur
• Low fat dairy products, including milk, cheeses, yogurt, tofu, and
eggs
• Baby foods, including cereal, fruits, vegetables, and meats
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• Purchases may also be made at the local farmers markets.
The Illinois Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging parents to
keep their children enrolled in the WIC program until their fifth birthday. Over
the last four decades, WIC participation has contributed to lower infant
mortality rates and improved pregnancy outcomes. Five benefits of keeping
children in WIC include the following:
• Children have better growth and development.
• WIC promotes healthy weight.
• Children are better prepared for school.
• WIC pays for milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healthy foods.
• Eating better helps children focus and behave better.
WIC also provides a breastfeeding support program which includes high iron food
and nutrition education for families that meet the income guidelines. Women who
are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum to six months qualify, as well as
infants and children up to age five.
If you have SNAP benefits, you may qualify for WIC. To learn more about the
LCDPH-WIC program or to see if you qualify, contact the health department at
217-735-2317 or visit their website at WWW.LDPH.ORG.
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]
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