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 Mchenry, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Mchenry, 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 Mchenry, 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 Mchenry, 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 Mchenry, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Mchenry, Illinois
ALDI 40023 40023
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 5/29/1997
Address :
2226 N Richmond Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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ANGELO'S FRESH MARKET
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2003
Address :
4400 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Angelos Market Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/8/2011
Address :
4000 N Johnsburg Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Bucky's 441
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/4/2013
Address :
1901 N Richmond Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Bull Valley BP GEI-137
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/12/2017
Address :
5301 Bull Valley Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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CVS PHARMACY 10470
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/24/2016
Address :
3900 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Del Carmen Bakery
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 5/12/2021
Address :
4334 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 4063
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/16/2004
Address :
4400 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Dollar Tree 2720
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/19/2008
Address :
4322 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Dollartree 8927
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/16/2021
Address :
3392 Shoppers Dr,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Family Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/10/2015
Address :
810 Front St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Jewel 3518
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
4222 Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Johnsburg Quik Shop GEI-196
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2016
Address :
3615 Chapel Hill Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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La Huerta Carniceria
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/10/2009
Address :
4605 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Lesley's Bakery
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 12/5/2011
Address :
1214 N Green St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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McHenry Bp GEI-154
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/15/2016
Address :
508 S Route 31,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Meijer Gas Station 218
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/5/2020
Address :
2149 N Richmond Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Meijer Inc 218
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/25/2002
Address :
2253 N Richmond Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Midtown Food & Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/29/2021
Address :
3808 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Murphy USA 7526
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/17/2018
Address :
2901 N Richmond Rd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Shamrock Convenient Food And Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/14/2017
Address :
4105 W Shamrock Ln,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Thorntons 221344
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/12/2021
Address :
2128 W. Route 120,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Thorntons 309
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/16/2010
Address :
28937 W Illinois Rte 120,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Walgreens 05469
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/3/2009
Address :
3925 W Elm St,
Mchenry, IL 60050.
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Walgreesn 11367
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/15/2013
Address :
28895 W IL Route 120,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Walmart Supercenter 1377
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2002
Address :
3801 Running Brook Farms Blvd,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Woodmans Food Market 43
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/8/2019
Address :
27555 W IL Route 120,
Mchenry, IL 60051.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mchenry, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Mchenry, 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 Mchenry, 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 Mchenry, 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 Mchenry, 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.