In recognition of National Nutrition Month, the Henry & Stark County Health Department highlights the benefits of the WIC Supplemental Food Program. This initiative supports local mothers and children by offering free groceries and promoting healthier lifestyles. Heather Aldred, RN, announced that WIC services have returned to in-person appointments while maintaining online application options. The new Illinois WIC EBT Card streamlines the process, consolidating food benefits onto one card and simplifying shopping for participants. Expanded hours accommodate working families and schoolchildren.
Heather Aldred, RN, Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor with the Health Department, states, “Henry, Stark, Marshall and Putnam County residents have fully returned to only in-person “Face to Face” appointments and services delivery. We do, however, still offer an online application feature to the program. We are thrilled to once again have the chance to offer these important and vital family services directly to our participants. In addition, we remind those who may be interested in taking advantage of all that WIC offers, that the New Illinois WIC EBT Card is available to all WIC participants! This makes WIC Services even more easy for area families to use.”
Aldred adds, “All current WIC participants and households are now issued just one Illinois WIC EBT Card with all the food benefits on this one card; no more handling multiple checks for different members of your family. The WIC process remains the same, benefits are reloaded on your card every three months after contacting and checking in with our WIC Staff.”
The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
For more information on the department’s WIC and case management services, call the department at 309-852-5272 (Kewanee) or 309-792-4011 (Colona), or visit our website to apply at https://www.henrystarkhealth.