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 Downers Grove, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Downers Grove, Illinois
7-Eleven 26139
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/2/2009
Address :
2304 Maple Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 33759B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2014
Address :
5105 Fairview Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Get Directions
7-Eleven Store 38976H
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/20/2020
Address :
6301 Main St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
Get Directions
Aldi 81
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/15/2018
Address :
28 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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ANGELO'S FOODS
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/19/2003
Address :
2230 Maple Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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BOMBAY BAZAR
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2005
Address :
2093 63rd St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Corner Pantry
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/22/2019
Address :
4240 Main St,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Curry Leaves Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/8/2021
Address :
2113 63rd St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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CVS 2903
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/29/2002
Address :
400 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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CVS 6748
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/29/2010
Address :
6210 Main St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Dollar General 21848
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2020
Address :
417 63rd Street,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Dollar Tree 2510
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/28/2006
Address :
7323 S Lemont Rd,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Dollartree 3865
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/15/2008
Address :
1300 Butterfield Rd,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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DOLLARTREE 8405
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/1/2020
Address :
2075 63rd St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Downers Grove 985
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/29/2021
Address :
2212 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Downers Grove BP
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/14/2017
Address :
4314 Main St,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Downtown Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/22/2017
Address :
4946 Main St,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Fairview Mart & Tobacco
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/19/2016
Address :
402 75th St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Fresh Thyme Farmers Market 104DNG
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/17/2015
Address :
325 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Jay's Convenient
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/22/2020
Address :
6314 Main St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Jewel 3047
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
6215 Main St,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Jewel 3097
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
1148 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Lemont Grove Advisors, LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/15/2013
Address :
7241 Lemont Rd,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
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Pmco #3 Downers Grove #3
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/14/2021
Address :
2125 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Speedway 7450
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/3/2013
Address :
898 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Speedway 7562
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/1/2016
Address :
5004 Fairview Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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TRADER JOE'S 683
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/1/2003
Address :
122 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
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Walgreens 02720
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/2/2005
Address :
6240 Belmont Rd,
Downers Grove, IL 60516.
Get Directions
Walgreens 04636
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2009
Address :
1000 Ogden Ave,
Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Downers Grove, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, 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.