SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Families across Illinois receiving assistance from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) now have more choices at the grocery store.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced on Tuesday that WIC has expanded its food package offerings to include a broader range of culturally-responsive foods and updated nutrition standards. The changes took effect on February 25.
The expanded options aim to align with the latest nutrition science and provide greater flexibility for WIC participants.
Illinois’ WIC program now includes new foods like corn masa flour, whole wheat English muffins, and sardines. Additional package size options have also been added.
WIC participants can now substitute certain food items based on family preferences, such as selecting beans or peanut butter instead of eggs.
Changes have also been made to the quantities that WIC participants can receive of certain foods–some reduced, others increased –to better match current dietary needs.
“This update recognizes that WIC participants know what their families prefer,” said Stephanie Bess, Associate Director of the Division of Family and Community Services and WIC Lead at the Illinois Department of Human Services. “These changes make it easier for them to select foods at the store that best suits their families’ needs.”
WIC is one of the nation’s most successful public health nutrition programs, supporting the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. On average, more than 175,000 Illinois residents receive WIC benefits each month.
To learn more about the WIC program or to check eligibility, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website HERE.
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