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 Chicago Heights, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Chicago Heights, Illinois
ALDI 62015 62015
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/8/1996
Address :
527 W 14th St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Binderexpress Food And Liquor , Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/26/2018
Address :
352 W 14th St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Cars Fuel, Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/21/2021
Address :
1801 E Sauk Trl,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Center Food & Liquor Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/6/2009
Address :
223 E Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Chicago Heights Foodmart Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/25/2021
Address :
431 W 14th Pl,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Citgo Gas & Food
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2007
Address :
300 Dixie Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Citgo Gas Station
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2011
Address :
1524 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Country Squire Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2014
Address :
113 W Joe Orr Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
CVS 2664
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/10/2007
Address :
11 E 14th St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Dba Chicago Heights Food And Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/25/2017
Address :
1300 Emerald Ave,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL 3871
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2004
Address :
3 Sauk Plz,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Dollar General 15029
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/23/2014
Address :
362 W Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Dollar General 22876
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/19/2021
Address :
1615 Glenwood Dyer Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Dollartree 3532
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/18/2007
Address :
1333 Hilltop Ave,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Dollartree 3612
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/11/2009
Address :
3323 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Family Dollar 11697
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/24/2016
Address :
803 E Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Family Dollar 2865
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/26/2007
Address :
3316A Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Family Dollar 4645
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/26/2007
Address :
175 W Joe Orr Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 7823
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/25/2008
Address :
2561 E Sauk Trl,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Food 4 Less 568
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/2011
Address :
1333 Western Ave,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Ford Heights Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/2017
Address :
926 E Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Gas N Wash Sauk Trail
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/9/2019
Address :
1445 E Sauk Trl,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
GENO'S FOOD & LIQUOR
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/5/2013
Address :
1520 S Halsted St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Global African Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/13/2018
Address :
200 Dixie Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
GTS Gas Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/27/2011
Address :
1620 E Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Halsted Gas Of 711 Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/17/2019
Address :
711 S Halsted St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Heights Fresh Market
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/11/2008
Address :
1657 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Jewel 3167
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
3220 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
La Loma Meats Produce & Groceries Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/31/2021
Address :
11 W 16th St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
La Paloma De Michoacan Corporation
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2016
Address :
204 W 15th St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
La Rosita Of Chicago Heights
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/3/2014
Address :
188 E 22nd St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
La Super Carniceria Y Taqueria Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/28/2021
Address :
2501 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Lynwood Gas And Food Mart Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/12/2020
Address :
2398 Glenwood Dyer Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
NEW WAY FOOD & LIQUOR, INC.
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/19/2000
Address :
1307 E 14th St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
R & D Food Llc
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/3/2021
Address :
276 W Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Save-A-Lot 23663
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/23/1997
Address :
3310 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
South Chicago Heights Mobil
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/8/2012
Address :
2802 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
State Fuel 14 Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2020
Address :
1401 State St,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Tony's Food And Liquor Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/26/2019
Address :
1709 E Sauk Trl,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Tornado Food 2
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/16/2021
Address :
1311 E Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Tornado Food And Tobacco
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 1/20/2021
Address :
1 Surrey Brook Plz,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Tornado Station
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/26/2018
Address :
2393 E Lincoln Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Two M's United Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/26/2019
Address :
2301 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
WALGREEN 5355
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/18/1995
Address :
650 Dixie Hwy,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
WALGREENS 05086
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/5/1992
Address :
3120 Chicago Rd,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
WALGREENS 05128
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/20/2000
Address :
2601 E Sauk Trl,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Western Citgo
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/5/2010
Address :
2035 Western Ave,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Chicago Heights, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights, 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.