The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

En español

The WIC Program provides nutrition education, health care referrals, breastfeeding support and an EBT card to purchase nutritious supplemental foods at no cost to eligible Lake County residents. In doing so, WIC prevents more serious medical problems caused by poor nutrition.

WIC knows that good nutrition, starting with pregnancy, provides the best possible start for babies and children to grow up strong and healthy.
Begin Your WIC Application
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WIC EBT is here! Families will receive an EBT card at their next WIC visit to purchase WIC approved foods!

WIC EBT Card

WIC EBT is:

  • Fast. Save time at the checkout.
  • Flexible. Get the WIC foods you need, when you need them.
  • Simple. All your WIC benefits in one card.

WIC Supports Healthy Families

  • Free health and nutrition screening
  • Free nutrition counseling and education; many session topics offered
  • Referrals for medical care, immunizations, and other services
  • WIC food packages offer whole grain options - including whole grain bread, brown rice, corn tortillas, or oatmeal, fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, juice, cheese, iron-fortified cereal, legumes (dried beans and peas), peanut butter and jarred baby foods
  • Coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables from local Farmer's Markets during summer months

WIC Supports Breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding is the recommended infant feeding choice and breastfeeding families receive extra benefits from WIC including extra eggs, milk, grains, tuna, or salmon, and more infant foods included jarred meats, fruits, and vegetables
  • Breastfeeding education and counseling are provided throughout pregnancy and baby's first year
  • Our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program includes 4 peer counselors who are available in clinics and by phone/text to assist families in meeting their breastfeeding goals
  • We have Certified Lactation Counselors at each WIC office to provide additional guidance to families if needed
  • Current WIC pregnant or breastfeeding moms can join our Facebook group "Lake County WIC Breastfeeds"

Eligibility

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, infants and children under 5 years of age
  • Live in Illinois
  • Have a family income at 185% or less of the federal poverty level or receive SNAP, Title 19 or TANF
  • **WIC does not require proof of citizenship or status**
  • This institution is an equal opportunity provider. View the full non-discrimination statement.

WIC cares about your opinion

We would love your feedback! Please share what we are doing well or how we can do better.

The survey is available in English and Spanish. Please click here to share your feedback with us.

Tell us about your experience

Using the Bnft app to manage your WIC EBT benefits