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 Melrose Park, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Melrose 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 Melrose 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 Melrose 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 Melrose Park, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Melrose Park, Illinois
7-Eleven 33773K
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/30/2021
Address :
162 E North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
Get Directions
7-Eleven 33903
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/14/2009
Address :
1500 N 19th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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7-eleven 38541a 38541A
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/2/2020
Address :
2400 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Aldi 44
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/17/2008
Address :
1345 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Aldi 49
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/15/2009
Address :
50 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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Aracely's Bakery
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/18/2008
Address :
144 N 19th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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CARNICERIA JIMENEZ OF MELROSE PK.
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 4/3/2003
Address :
717 N 19th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Costco Wholesale 1085
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/21/2010
Address :
8400 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Delta-Sonic Carwash Systems Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/29/2010
Address :
8490 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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DOLLAR TREE 0655
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 11/28/2006
Address :
1320 Winston Plz,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Dollar Tree 1080
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/29/2009
Address :
6 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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Dollar Tree 5857
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/7/2016
Address :
1953 N Mannheim Rd,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Family Dollar 7538
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2007
Address :
905 N 25th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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FARMERS BEST NORTHLAKE
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/25/2020
Address :
23 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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Food 4 Less Midwest 560
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/2/2006
Address :
2525 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Ghazi Petrol, Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/19/2021
Address :
1309 N 25th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Jai Maa Group Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2018
Address :
109 Broadway St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Jayvee Shell
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/22/2008
Address :
2201 N Mannheim Rd,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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Jewel 3290
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/14/1993
Address :
800 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Jj Pepers (DBA) The First Liquor Group Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/23/2017
Address :
10400 W Fullerton Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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La Baguette Bakery
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/9/2011
Address :
3320 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
Get Directions
LA FLOR INC
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2010
Address :
2200 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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La Mixteca Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/14/2019
Address :
1512 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Lake Marathon Gas Station
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/8/2020
Address :
3301 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Meat King
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 5/27/2021
Address :
1710 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Melrose Food & Liquor Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/13/2020
Address :
156 N 19th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Mobil Gas Station
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/8/2011
Address :
1000 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Mobil Gas Station
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/27/2020
Address :
2 E Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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Neighborhood Liquor Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/28/2010
Address :
4501 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Northlake BP Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 2/19/2021
Address :
2900 N Wolf Rd,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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Northlake Shell 2962
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/29/2020
Address :
70 E North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
Get Directions
Northlake Shop GEI-120
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/30/2016
Address :
5 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
Get Directions
One Stop Liquor & Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/14/2021
Address :
3505 W Lake St,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
Get Directions
OZZIES FOODSTORE
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/7/2009
Address :
11158 W Grand Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
Get Directions
Rancho Nuevo Market, Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2021
Address :
108 N 19th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Sam's Club 6358
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2009
Address :
141 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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Speedway 6809
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/5/2017
Address :
2139 N Mannheim Rd,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
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SUPERMERCADO TORRES #4
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/28/1997
Address :
124 N 19th Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Target Store 837
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/18/2005
Address :
850 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
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Tony's Fresh Market 367
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/24/2003
Address :
2099 N Mannheim Rd,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
Get Directions
Walgreens 03995
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/16/1992
Address :
6 E North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
Get Directions
Walgreens 09600
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 10/14/2005
Address :
1445 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60160.
Get Directions
Walmart 1933
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/4/2002
Address :
137 W North Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
Get Directions
Windy City Liquors
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/7/2016
Address :
101 E Grand Ave,
Melrose Park, IL 60164.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Melrose Park, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Melrose 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 Melrose 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 Melrose 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 Melrose 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.