Will County WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that provides healthy food and nutrition education to women, infants, and children up to age 5. The program is designed to help families improve their diets and overall health. WIC provides a variety of services, including nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services. It is a federally funded program that is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories.
WIC Services for Eligible Individuals and Families
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition services to eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC offers a variety of services to help participants improve their health and nutrition, including:
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Healthy food vouchers (food packages)
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to other health and social services
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet certain income guidelines and reside in a WIC-approved area. You also must be:
- Pregnant
- Postpartum (up to 6 months after delivery)
- Breastfeeding (up to 1 year after delivery)
- An infant (up to 1 year old)
- A child (up to age 5)
If you think you may be eligible for WIC, contact your local WIC agency to apply. You can find a list of WIC agencies in Will County by visiting the Illinois Department of Human Services website.
| WIC Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Education and Counseling | Participants receive personalized nutrition education and counseling from a registered dietitian or other qualified nutrition professional. |
| Healthy Food Vouchers (Food Packages) | Participants receive monthly vouchers to purchase healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk. |
| Breastfeeding Support | Participants receive breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant or other qualified professional. |
| Referrals to Other Health and Social Services | Participants can receive referrals to other health and social services, such as prenatal care, well-child checkups, and housing assistance. |
Health and Nutrition Education for Program Participants
The WIC program provides a variety of health and nutrition education services to participants. These services are designed to help participants improve their overall health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of their children. The focus in educational sessions is to help participants make informed decisions about their food choices and lifestyles. The services vary depending on the needs of the participant, but may include:
- Individual counseling: One-on-one sessions with a registered dietitian or other qualified WIC staff member to discuss dietary needs and develop a personalized nutrition plan.
- Group classes: Classes on a variety of topics, such as healthy eating, breastfeeding, and infant care, led by a WIC staff member.
- Referral to other services: Referrals to other community resources, such as food pantries, health clinics, and social service agencies, that can provide additional support to participants.
The WIC program also provides participants with a variety of educational materials, such as brochures, fact sheets, and recipes. These materials are designed to help participants learn more about healthy eating and make informed decisions about their food choices.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Individual counseling | One-on-one sessions with a registered dietitian or other qualified WIC staff member to discuss dietary needs and develop a personalized nutrition plan. |
| Group classes | Classes on a variety of topics, such as healthy eating, breastfeeding, and infant care, led by a WIC staff member. |
| Referral to other services | Referrals to other community resources, such as food pantries, health clinics, and social service agencies, that can provide additional support to participants. |
Local Distribution Sites and Locations
Will County WIC operates through a network of local distribution sites located in various communities throughout the county. These sites provide WIC services, including nutrition counseling, food vouchers, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services.
- Aurora WIC Clinic: 406 E Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60505
- Bolingbrook WIC Clinic: 300 N Bolingbrook Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
- Channahon WIC Clinic: 24501 W Civic Center Dr, Channahon, IL 60410
- Crest Hill WIC Clinic: 16228 Cedarwood Dr, Crest Hill, IL 60403
- Joliet WIC Clinic: 100 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432
- Lockport WIC Clinic: 1215 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441
- Matteson WIC Clinic: 21011 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
- Minooka WIC Clinic: 221 S Willmot Rd, Minooka, IL 60447
- New Lenox WIC Clinic: 120 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, IL 60451
- Park Forest WIC Clinic: 226 Main St, Park Forest, IL 60466
- Plainfield WIC Clinic: 14052 Coil Plus Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544
- Romeoville WIC Clinic: 1050 W Romeo Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446
- Shorewood WIC Clinic: 120 W Jefferson St, Shorewood, IL 60404
| Distribution Site | Address |
|---|---|
| Aurora WIC Clinic | 406 E Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60505 |
| Bolingbrook WIC Clinic | 300 N Bolingbrook Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 |
| Channahon WIC Clinic | 24501 W Civic Center Dr, Channahon, IL 60410 |
| Crest Hill WIC Clinic | 16228 Cedarwood Dr, Crest Hill, IL 60403 |
| Joliet WIC Clinic | 100 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432 |
| Lockport WIC Clinic | 1215 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441 |
| Matteson WIC Clinic | 21011 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443 |
| Minooka WIC Clinic | 221 S Willmot Rd, Minooka, IL 60447 |
| New Lenox WIC Clinic | 120 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox, IL 60451 |
| Park Forest WIC Clinic | 226 Main St, Park Forest, IL 60466 |
| Plainfield WIC Clinic | 14052 Coil Plus Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544 |
| Romeoville WIC Clinic | 1050 W Romeo Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446 |
| Shorewood WIC Clinic | 120 W Jefferson St, Shorewood, IL 60404 |
Income Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible for WIC in Will County, your family’s income must meet specific guidelines. These guidelines are based on the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL is a measure of poverty that is used by the U.S. government to determine eligibility for various social programs.
The following table shows the income eligibility guidelines for WIC in Will County:
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,350 |
| 2 | $30,138 |
| 3 | $37,926 |
| 4 | $45,714 |
| 5 | $53,502 |
| 6 | $61,290 |
| 7 | $69,078 |
| 8 | $76,866 |
| Each additional person | $8,460 |
To be eligible for WIC, your family’s income must be at or below the income limit for your household size. If your family’s income is above the income limit, you may still be eligible for WIC if you meet certain other criteria, such as being a foster child or living in a homeless shelter.
Hey there, folks! Thanks for sticking with us to the end and learning about all the fantastic benefits that Will County WIC has to offer. Whether you’re a new parent, an expectant mother, or just someone looking to improve your family’s health, WIC is here to help. So, please, don’t be a stranger! If you want to discover more about what WIC can do for you, head over to our website or give us a call. We’re always delighted to chat and point you in the right direction. See ya later, WIC friends!