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 Crystal Lake, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Crystal Lake, Illinois
7 Eleven 33884
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/18/2009
Address :
60 W Terra Cotta Ave,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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7-eleven 33878B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/12/2013
Address :
1024 S. Mchenry Avenue,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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7-eleven 38439A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/10/2020
Address :
6225 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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ALDI 40010 40010
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/13/1995
Address :
5831 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Bucky's 907
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/26/2017
Address :
907 Pyott Rd,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Carnicerias La Rosita
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/28/2017
Address :
131 N Main St,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Casey's General Store 3539
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/26/2017
Address :
639 E Terra Cotta Ave,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Circle K 6720
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/17/2011
Address :
681 W Terra Cotta Ave,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Circle K 6725
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/16/2010
Address :
280 Illinois St,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Circle K 6738
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/2010
Address :
220 W Virginia St,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Crystal Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2019
Address :
4811 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Crystal Lake Bp
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/13/2021
Address :
281 W Virginia St,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Crystal Lake Gas Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/23/2018
Address :
770 Virginia Rd,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Crystal Lake Health Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/23/2013
Address :
25 E Crystal Lake Ave,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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CVS 3790
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/24/2009
Address :
1305 Randall Rd,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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CVS Pharmacy 10628
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/4/2016
Address :
177 W Virginia St,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Dollar Tree 2069
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/28/2006
Address :
230 5593 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Fresh Thyme Farmers Market 109CRL
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2015
Address :
5340 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Jewel 3517
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/30/1998
Address :
6140 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Ka Sales Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2020
Address :
415 W Virginia St,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Mariano's 544
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/21/2018
Address :
105 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Mobil Crystal Lake
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/8/2019
Address :
451 W Virginia St,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Mobil Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/31/2012
Address :
250 N IL Route 31,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Murphy USA 7600
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/13/2017
Address :
985 Central Park Dr,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Neighborhood Butcher Shop 1
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/14/2021
Address :
19 Berkshire Dr,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Nicks General Store
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2021
Address :
1309 North Ave,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Sam's Club 6339
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2009
Address :
5670 NW Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Target Store 1166
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/18/2005
Address :
5580 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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The Fresh Market 134
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/17/2012
Address :
5808 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Thorntons 221343
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2021
Address :
911 Tek Drive,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Walgreens 06746
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2009
Address :
151 Northwest Hwy,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Walgreens 11944
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/3/2010
Address :
315 N IL Route 31,
Crystal Lake, IL 60012.
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Walmart Supercenter 1413
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2002
Address :
1205 S IL Route 31,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Crystal Lake, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake, 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 Crystal Lake, 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.