What WIC Offers in Will County

WIC in Will County is run by the Will County Health Department and provides food benefits to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five whose household income falls within the program's limits. The program gives you a card that works like a debit card at participating grocery stores, letting you buy specific foods: milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, juice, and fresh produce. You do not receive cash — the card only works for the foods WIC covers.

Will County WIC also includes nutrition education and breastfeeding support as part of the program. A nutritionist or health educator meets with you to talk about feeding your child and healthy eating. If you are breastfeeding, staff can connect you with a lactation consultant. These services are included at no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Will County WIC is administered by the Will County Health Department and serves pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five who meet income limits.
  • The program provides a card that purchases only specific foods — dairy, protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables — at stores that accept WIC.
  • Nutrition education and breastfeeding support are built into the program and available to all participants.
  • You must attend an appointment to enroll and bring proof of income, residency, and your child's age or pregnancy status.

Income Limits and Who Can Enroll

WIC in Will County serves families whose income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty line. The exact dollar amount changes each year. For the most current income limits, contact the Will County Health Department directly — they can tell you whether your household income qualifies based on your family size.

You must also live in Will County and be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant. Pregnant women, women who gave birth in the last six months, and children from birth through age four are the groups WIC serves. If you are pregnant, you do not need to show proof of pregnancy at enrollment — you can self-declare, though some programs ask for a due date.

How to Enroll in Will County WIC

Contact the Will County Health Department's WIC program to schedule an enrollment appointment. You can reach them by phone or visit their office in person. During the appointment, bring a photo ID, proof of your address (a utility bill or lease works), and proof of your income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). If you are enrolling a child, bring their birth certificate or proof of age.

At the appointment, a staff member will review your documents, confirm your income, and explain how the WIC card works. They will also schedule you for nutrition education. Once you are enrolled, you receive your WIC card on the same day or within a few days. The card is ready to use when ready at participating stores.

Using Your WIC Card at Stores

Your WIC card works only at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept WIC. Not all stores participate, so you may need to shop at a specific location. When you check out, tell the cashier you are using WIC. The card will only allow you to purchase the foods on your approved list — if you try to buy something not covered, the transaction will decline for that item.

The foods you can buy include milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, dried beans and peas, peanut butter, whole grain bread and cereal, fruits, and vegetables. The exact amounts change based on your family size and who is in your household. Your WIC card shows your monthly balance, and unused benefits do not roll over to the next month — you use them or lose them.

Nutrition Education and Support Services

All WIC participants are required to attend nutrition education sessions. These are usually group classes or one-on-one appointments where a nutritionist talks about feeding your child, healthy eating, and how to use your WIC benefits. The sessions cover topics like introducing solid foods, choosing whole grains, and managing picky eaters.

If you are breastfeeding or thinking about breastfeeding, WIC connects you with a lactation consultant who can answer questions and help with any challenges. These services are free and are part of your WIC enrollment. You can also ask staff about other resources in Will County, like pediatric care or parenting classes.

Recertification and Keeping Your Benefits

WIC benefits are not permanent — you must recertify every 12 months to keep your card active. The Will County Health Department will contact you before your certification expires to schedule a recertification appointment. Bring the same documents you brought at enrollment: proof of income, proof of address, and proof of your child's age or your pregnancy status.

If your income or family situation changes during the year, tell the WIC office right away. Some changes may affect your benefits or end your participation. If you move out of Will County, your benefits will not transfer — you would need to enroll in WIC in your new county.

Finding Will County WIC Locations and Hours

The Will County Health Department runs the WIC program from its main office and may have satellite clinics in other parts of the county. Hours and locations vary, so call ahead or check the Health Department's website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours. Some offices offer evening or weekend appointments to make enrollment easier.

If you have questions about whether you meet the income limits, what documents to bring, or how to use your card, call the Will County Health Department's WIC program. Staff can answer questions over the phone and help you schedule an appointment at a time that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a birth certificate for my child?

Bring whatever proof of age you have — a hospital discharge paper, a baptism certificate, or a medical record with your child's date of birth. The WIC office can work with documents other than a birth certificate. Call ahead and ask what they accept so you do not make a wasted trip.

Can I use my WIC card at farmers markets?

Yes, many farmers markets in Will County accept WIC cards. Not all do, so ask the market manager before you shop. Some markets have special WIC-only hours or booths. Your WIC card works the same way at farmers markets as it does at grocery stores — you can only buy the foods on your approved list.

What happens if I move to a different county in Illinois?

Your Will County WIC benefits end when you move. You would need to enroll in WIC in your new county. Contact the WIC program in that county to find out their enrollment process and what documents they need. There is no waiting period — you can enroll as soon as you move.

Do I have to breastfeed to be in WIC?

No. WIC serves all mothers and children who meet the income and age requirements, whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or do both. If you are not breastfeeding, you still attend nutrition education, but the topics will focus on formula feeding and introducing solid foods instead.

Can my partner or family member pick up my WIC card?

Yes, you can authorize someone else to use your card to shop. However, only you can attend the nutrition education appointments and recertification visits. Ask the WIC office what authorization process they use if you want someone else to shop with your card.