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 Evanston, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Evanston, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Evanston, Illinois
7-eleven 27070C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/21/2017
Address :
847 Dodge Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
7-eleven 33888C
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2019
Address :
817 Emerson St,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
7-eleven 33961B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2014
Address :
817 Davis St,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
Aldi 68
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/2/2010
Address :
2211 Oakton St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Babylon Discount Food
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/14/2020
Address :
1618 Emerson St,
Evanston, IL 60201.
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C & W Market And Ice Cream Parlor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/4/2015
Address :
1901 Church St,
Evanston, IL 60201.
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CVS 4778
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/5/2004
Address :
101 Asbury Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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CVS 3901
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/24/2009
Address :
1711 Sherman Ave,
Evanston, IL 60201.
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CVS 8760
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/25/2009
Address :
3333 Central St,
Evanston, IL 60201.
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D & D FINER FOODS
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/16/1974
Address :
825 Noyes St,
Evanston, IL 60201.
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DELTA DISCOUNT (DEEP, INC.)
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/2/1998
Address :
800 Main St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Dollar Tree 6267
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/18/2016
Address :
1928 Dempster St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Evanston Citgo
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/28/2019
Address :
1925 Green Bay Rd,
Evanston, IL 60201.
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Evanston Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 3/24/2010
Address :
Oak and East Railroad,
Evanston, IL 60201.
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EVANSTON GAS & FOOD INC
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/19/2006
Address :
101 Ridge Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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FOOD 4 LESS MIDWEST 558
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 9/3/2004
Address :
2400 Main St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Gordon Food Service Store LLC MP158
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2012
Address :
2424 Oakton St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Green Bay Fuel Mart Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2019
Address :
1950 Green Bay Rd,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
Hc Mini Mart Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/23/2020
Address :
555 Howard St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
J & S Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/11/1997
Address :
701 Howard St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Jd Mills Health Food Corporation
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 4/2/2021
Address :
635 Chicago Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Jewel 3428
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/11/1984
Address :
1128 Chicago Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Jewel 3487
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/14/1994
Address :
2485 Howard St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Mobil Evanston
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/15/2021
Address :
140 Chicago Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Munchizz
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/8/2021
Address :
1235 Dodge Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Oakton Shell
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/31/2010
Address :
2494 Oakton St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Open Pantry
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/29/2009
Address :
821 Dempster St,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 6444
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2009
Address :
2450 Main St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Target Store 927
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/14/2006
Address :
2209 Howard St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Target T3283
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/22/2018
Address :
1616 Sherman Ave,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
Trader Joe's 702
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/14/2013
Address :
1211 Chicago Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Valero
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2014
Address :
443 Asbury Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Valli Produce Of Evanston, Inc. 6
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2015
Address :
1910 Dempster St,
Evanston, IL 60202.
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Walgreens 02619
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/11/1993
Address :
2100 Green Bay Rd,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
Walgreens 04218
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/9/2008
Address :
900 Dodge Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Walgreens 15364
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/27/2006
Address :
635 Chicago Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10076
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/2/1997
Address :
1640 Chicago Ave,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
Whole Foods Market 10570
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/2015
Address :
2748 Green Bay Rd,
Evanston, IL 60201.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Evanston, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Evanston, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston, 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.