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 Loves Park, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Loves Park, 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 Loves Park, 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 Loves Park, 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 Loves Park, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Loves Park, Illinois
ALDI 40069 40069
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/11/1979
Address :
5910 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Alpine Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/24/2015
Address :
7650 N Alpine Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Andy's Food Market
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2013
Address :
7105 N Alpine Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Applewood Mobil 38
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/4/2013
Address :
5542 E Riverside Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Casey's General Store 3760
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/24/2018
Address :
4001 Interstate Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Choices Natural Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 3/19/2012
Address :
6718 Broadcast Pkwy,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Circle K 1426
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/21/2014
Address :
4747 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Clark On The Go
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/18/2017
Address :
6217 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Costco Wholesale 1353
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/22/2019
Address :
5000 Stadium Dr,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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CVS 8530
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2008
Address :
6506 N Alpine Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 4366
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2004
Address :
7931 N Alpine Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Dollar General 14247
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/15/2013
Address :
6369 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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DOLLAR TREE 2856
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/16/2006
Address :
7921 N Alpine Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Expresslane Inc 81
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/22/2018
Address :
7765 Forest Hills Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Ez Dinners, Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/27/2012
Address :
5533 N 2nd Street,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Family Dollar Store 10940
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/6/2015
Address :
6101 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Fas Mart 5179
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2015
Address :
6010 E Riverside Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Fas Mart 5220
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2015
Address :
8096 Forest Hills Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Forest Hills Mobil 20
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/23/2009
Address :
5902 Forest Hills Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Grand Prix 5152
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/22/2015
Address :
7997 Forest Hills Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Kpe Oil Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/4/2018
Address :
1824 E Riverside Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Love's Park Citgo
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2021
Address :
5905 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Loves Park Clark
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/27/2012
Address :
5710 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Loves Park Mobil 36
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/25/2010
Address :
6224 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Loves Park Phillips 66
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/20/2013
Address :
4291 N Perryville Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Prodavnica Mjesovite Robe
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/2/2014
Address :
5422 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Quick N Save
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/10/2019
Address :
130 E Riverside Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Road Ranger 211
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2007
Address :
7500 E Riverside Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Schnucks 753
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/16/1979
Address :
1810 Harlem Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Tollway Mobil 5
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/9/2012
Address :
7490 E Riverside Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Valli Produce Of Loves Park
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/1/2007
Address :
6550 N Alpine Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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WALGREENS 01515
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/15/2000
Address :
5900 N 2nd St,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Walgreens 12583
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2009
Address :
1704 E Riverside Blvd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Windsor Mini Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/1/2014
Address :
1038 Windsor Rd,
Loves Park, IL 61111.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Loves Park, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Loves Park, 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 Loves Park, 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 Loves Park, 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 Loves Park, 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.