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 Pekin, Illinois families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Pekin, 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 Pekin, 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 Pekin, 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 Pekin, Illinois:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Pekin, Illinois
Aarav1121inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/11/2018
Address :
422 Derby St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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ALDI 68027 68027
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/17/1976
Address :
3475 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Beck's 15
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/21/2009
Address :
315 Derby St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Casey's General Store 1498
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/21/1988
Address :
401 N Main St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Casey's General Store 2210
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/5/1999
Address :
560 S Main St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Casey's General Store 2236
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/27/1999
Address :
1800 N 8th St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Casey's General Store 3457
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 12/17/2015
Address :
2106 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Circle K 4701202
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/25/2003
Address :
111 N Capitol St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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CVS 6451
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/21/1998
Address :
910 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 4563
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/9/2005
Address :
3241 Barney Ave,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 666
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2004
Address :
845 Broadway St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 8502
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/2/2004
Address :
104 Joliet Rd,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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DOLLAR TREE 3404
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/18/2006
Address :
3432 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Dollartree 3587
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2009
Address :
1408 N 8th St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Family Dollar 4327
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/11/2011
Address :
1101 Derby St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Gk Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/6/2021
Address :
1502 Sheridan Rd,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Kaizen Food And Gas Llc, Broadway
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/2/2011
Address :
1401 Broadway St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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KROGER J923 923
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 2/9/1981
Address :
1607 Broadway St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Minit Mart 632
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/10/2015
Address :
103 Radio City Dr,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Papa Murphys Pizza IL058
Store Details :
- Type: Bakery Specialty
- Authorization Date: 8/14/2009
Address :
1807 Broadway St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Pekin Marathon
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 3/23/2017
Address :
2102 Broadway St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Pekin Pantry
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/27/2020
Address :
815 Derby St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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S & R Malahee Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/10/2020
Address :
425 Derby St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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SAVE-A-LOT 24037
Store Details :
- Type: Large Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/8/2000
Address :
1105 Derby St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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SCHNUCKS 724
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 8/18/1999
Address :
1001 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Schwans Home Service 118150
Store Details :
- Type: Delivery Route
- Authorization Date: 12/29/1989
Address :
901 Brenkman Dr,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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THORNTON OIL 353
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/8/2004
Address :
2820 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Valu Check 149
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 12/30/1987
Address :
2111 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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WALGREENS 04732
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/13/1993
Address :
2020 Court St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
Get Directions
WALGREENS 11493
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/13/1993
Address :
1400 Broadway St,
Pekin, IL 61554.
Get Directions
Walmart SUPERCENTER 603
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/3/2002
Address :
3320 Veterans Dr,
Pekin, IL 61554.
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Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Pekin, Illinois
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Pekin, 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 Pekin, 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 Pekin, 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 Pekin, 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.