If you are a new mom or an expectant mother, you might be wondering what WIC is all about and how to locate a WIC store. This guide is here to help you understand what WIC is, how it works, and where to find a WIC store.
What is WIC?
WIC is the USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutrition and breastfeeding services and supplemental foods to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday.
WIC gives you resources, knowledge and tools to help you and support your family.
It’s free for moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents and all in Alton, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Alton, Illinois, you must meet the following criteria:
- Live in the state where you apply for WIC.
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, an infant, or a child under the age of five.
- Be at nutritional risk, which means that there is a medical or dietary condition that can be improved by participating in the WIC program.
- Meet the income guidelines in Alton, Illinois, which vary by state.
Benefits of WIC
There are four key parts to the WIC program:
1. Healthy Foods. WIC foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter/beans, cereal, juice, infant foods and formula.
2. Breastfeeding Support. WIC provides breastfeeding education, support, and breast pumps to qualifying participants.
3. Nutrition Education. Nutrition information, tools and solutions for parenting, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
4. Health Care Referrals. Personalized referrals to health services and other community resources.
How to apply for WIC
To apply for WIC in Alton, Illinois, follow these steps:
1. Find a local WIC agency: Use the WIC agency locator on your state Department of Health and Human Services website to find a WIC agency near you.
2. Make an appointment: Call the WIC agency to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to provide information about your income, residency, and family size.
3. Attend the appointment: At the appointment, you will meet with a WIC staff member who will assess your nutritional risk and provide nutrition education.
4. Receive WIC checks: If you are eligible, you will receive WIC checks that can be used to purchase WIC-approved foods at a WIC store.
What to expect during the WIC appointment
- Check your height and weight to determine your body mass index (BMI).
- Take a blood sample to test for anemia.
- Discuss your medical and dietary history to determine your nutritional risk.
- Provide nutrition education on healthy eating, breastfeeding, and infant feeding.
WIC Stores
WIC benefits are widely accepted for eligible food items at various stores in Alton, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Alton, Illinois
ALDI 41022 41022
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/18/1983
Address :
2822 Homer Adams Pkwy,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Alton Farmers & Artisans Farmers Market/Alton Main
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 6/13/2013
Address :
501 Landmarks Blvd,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Alton Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/21/2021
Address :
217 W 3rd St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Alton Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/13/2016
Address :
3201 Fosterburg Rd,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Alton Supermarket LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/25/2020
Address :
1601 Washington Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Broadway Food & Gas Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/14/2018
Address :
1110 E Broadway,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Casey's General Store 2047
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/1998
Address :
3499 Fosterburg Rd,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Casey's General Store 2232
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/10/1999
Address :
2517 Washington Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Casey's General Store 2405
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/10/2001
Address :
2530 E Broadway,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Chicago Grill & Market 1
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/14/2017
Address :
2021 Central Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Circle Gas
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/11/2014
Address :
911 College Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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CONOCO PHILLIPS
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/17/2006
Address :
2500 Brown St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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CVS 6832
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/1995
Address :
2422 College Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 1067
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2004
Address :
502 W Delmar Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Dollar General 19896
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/19/2019
Address :
3884 Fosterburg Rd,
Alton, IL 62002.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 3935
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2004
Address :
1822 E Broadway,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Dollar General 4016
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/24/2017
Address :
2982 Homer Adams Pkwy,
Alton, IL 62002.
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DOLLAR TREE 2896
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/16/2006
Address :
1837 Homer M Adams Pkwy,
Alton, IL 62002.
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DUKE BAKERY INC
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/9/1973
Address :
819 Henry St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Family Dollar Store 4168
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/8/2009
Address :
1617 Washington Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Hansen Meat Co.
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/27/2015
Address :
450 Landmarks Blvd,
Alton, IL 62002.
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In & Out Package Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/26/2019
Address :
512 Ridge St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Jbl, Llc 1
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2019
Address :
1818 Washington Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Jbl, Llc 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2019
Address :
2345 State St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Milk Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/29/2015
Address :
1400 Milton Rd,
Alton, IL 62002.
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ONE STOP SHOP
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/21/2002
Address :
1106 Milton Rd,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Pearl Market. Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/14/2019
Address :
901 Alby St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Phillips 66 Alton
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/14/2021
Address :
1630 E Broadway,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Quick Stop
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2015
Address :
2605 College Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Royal Market Express
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/27/2019
Address :
1303 Central Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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SAVE-A-LOT 407
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/11/1997
Address :
2980 Homer Adams Pkwy,
Alton, IL 62002.
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SCHNUCKS ALTON STORE 146
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/12/1971
Address :
2811 Homer M Adams Pkwy,
Alton, IL 62002.
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State Corner Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2018
Address :
1269 State St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Target Store 78
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/17/2006
Address :
300 Homer M Adams Pkwy,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Walgreens 03627
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/8/1997
Address :
1650 Washington Ave,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Walgreens 03714
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2005
Address :
2610 State St,
Alton, IL 62002.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Alton, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Alton, Illinois:
1. Plan ahead: Before going to the store, make a list of the WIC-approved foods you need to purchase.
2. Check expiration dates: Make sure to check the expiration dates on all food items before purchasing them.
3. Don't forget your WIC checks: Make sure to bring your WIC checks with you to the store.
4. Ask for help: If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask a WIC store staff member for help.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
Federal Poverty Limit in Illinois
| POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Persons in Family | Poverty Limit(100%) | Poverty Limit(200%) |
| 1 | $14,580 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $19,720 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $24,860 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $40,280 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $45,420 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $50,560 | $101,120 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person. | ||
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1.What is the income limit to qualify for WIC Alton, Illinois?
The income limit to qualify for WIC varies by state and household size. Check Federal Poverty Limit above for your state.
2. Can I apply for WIC if I am an undocumented immigrant?
Yes, undocumented immigrants may be eligible for WIC if they meet the other eligibility requirements. WIC is a non-cash benefit, so it does not affect immigration status.
3. How often can I visit a WIC store Alton, Illinois?
WIC participants are typically required to visit a WIC store once a month to pick up their food benefits.
4. Can I use my WIC benefits at any grocery store?
No, WIC benefits can only be used at WIC-approved stores Alton, Illinois.
4. Can I use my WIC card in another state ?
You can not use one state WIC card in another state. However if you relocate to another state can go to that state WIC agency to update WIC card for that state.
The new agency will verify your eligibility, and you can continue to receive benefits in the new state.
5. What should I do if I lose my WIC checks?
If you lose your WIC checks, contact your local WIC agency immediately to request replacement checks.