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 Des Plaines, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Des Plaines, Illinois
7 Eleven Cigto 30101
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/9/2008
Address :
825 W Oakton St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
7-eleven #33360c #33360C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/7/2021
Address :
586 E Oakton St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 13529E
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2019
Address :
1950 E Touhy Ave,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
7-eleven 30128f 30128F
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/3/2019
Address :
2579 E Ballard Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 33055
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/19/2007
Address :
1585 Rand Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 33741
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/2/2009
Address :
9501 W Higgins Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Store 41123H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/20/2020
Address :
5220 Fashion Outlets Way,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Store 41599H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2021
Address :
2392 S Wolf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
ALDI 40071 40071
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/1/2005
Address :
1365 Lee St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Butera Fruit Market 590
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/9/2018
Address :
1565 Lee St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Columbus Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/2014
Address :
1651 Rand Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Des Plaines Quik Shop GEI-114
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/12/2016
Address :
800 S Elmhurst Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
DOLLAR TREE 0842
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2006
Address :
1031 E Oakton St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 3601
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/19/2008
Address :
785 W Golf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Dollar Tree 7638
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/9/2018
Address :
1507 Rand Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
El Valle Grocery Store Co
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/4/2021
Address :
1703 E Oakton St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Extra Value Food & Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/26/2012
Address :
9570 Potter Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Food Oasis
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/24/2013
Address :
7500 N Elmhurst Road,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Halal Alshaam Market, Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2021
Address :
570 E Algonquin Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
INDIA BAZZAR
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2005
Address :
615 W Golf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Jewel 3425
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1500 Lee St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
JEWEL 3473
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1971
Address :
819 Elmhurst Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Kalavara
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/21/2020
Address :
647 N Wolf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
La Guadalupana Mercado
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 12/29/2020
Address :
9360 W Ballard Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
La Pena Food Mart Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/10/2019
Address :
656 W Algonquin Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Mariano's 541
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2017
Address :
10 E Golf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Mobil
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/26/2021
Address :
9660 Golf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Nuevo Mexico
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 11/3/2005
Address :
1920 Mannheim Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Oakton Mart Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/10/2017
Address :
1605 S River Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Owais Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2013
Address :
9372 W Ballard Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Pantry N' More
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2013
Address :
8995 Potter Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Rebel 876
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/15/2013
Address :
1199 Elmhurst Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 6464
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2009
Address :
101 W Oakton St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Sam's Farmer's Market
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/19/2017
Address :
1045 E Oakton St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Shell Gas And Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2016
Address :
680 N Wolf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
SHOP & SAVE MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2005
Address :
518 Metropolitan Way,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Shriji Grocers
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/10/2014
Address :
1187 Elmhurst Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Speedway 4250
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/14/2012
Address :
885 E Touhy Ave,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Supermercado Soto Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/17/2015
Address :
1128 Lee St,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Sysco Chicago, Inc. 24
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/26/2020
Address :
250 Wieboldt Dr,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Target Store 1342
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/26/2006
Address :
7000 Mannheim Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Walgreens 02212
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2010
Address :
1858 E Oakton St,
Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Get Directions
Walgreens 05711
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/7/2009
Address :
17 W Golf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Walgreens 06601
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2009
Address :
21 Rand Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Walgreens 06866
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2009
Address :
1378 Miner St,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Walmart Neighborhood Market 6167
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2014
Address :
727 W Golf Rd,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Des Plaines, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, 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.