March is National Nutrition Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Department is putting the spotlight on the WIC Food Supplemental Program. WIC supports the health of local families, providing free groceries, nutrition education, and healthy lifestyle guidance to eligible women and children up to age five. With a shift back to in-person appointments, participants now enjoy easier shopping thanks to the new Illinois WIC EBT Card, which streamlines grocery purchases for the entire household. Expanded WIC hours add convenience for busy families. For enrollment and details, call the Health Department or visit henrystarkhealth.com. WIC remains dedicated to building healthier communities.
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.”
The Health Department’s WIC Supplemental Food Program continues to support community health by providing nutritious foods and education to eligible families. Services are available in Kewanee, Colona, Marshall County, and Putnam County for residents who qualify under nutrition and economic guidelines. WIC clients can receive healthy items such as milk, formula, eggs, cereal, fruits, vegetables, juice, and whole-grain products. To access these benefits or for additional details, contact your local office or visit the department’s website to apply online. More resources and information are also available at the USDA WIC site. This program is committed to equal opportunity for all. Interested individuals may also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic for federal resources.
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.”
Families in need of nutritional support can access WIC services through the Henry and Stark County Health Department. WIC, the Women, Infants, and Children program, provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals. To learn more or apply, residents in Kewanee can call 309-852-5272; Colona, 309-792-4011; Marshall County, 309-246-8074; and Putnam County, 815-872-2324.