1. Introduction and Definitions

Bureau of Family Nutrition (BFN)
Program Manual FY21

1.  Introduction/Definition

A. Introduction:

The mission of the Bureau of Family Nutrition (BFN) is to:

  1. Improve the health status of women, infants, children and the elderly;
  2. Reduce the incidence of infant mortality, premature births and low birth weight; and
  3. Aid in the development of children.

BFN implements several programs throughout the State in partnership with local communities, hospitals and community-based organizations to provide services at a local level to achieve this mission.

This document establishes minimum procedures for all Community Service Provider Agreements with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Community Services - Bureau of Family Nutrition (BFN), and is used in conjunction with specific program policy and procedure manuals when applicable.

B. Program Definitions:

The BFN oversees provision of USDA-FNS nutrition education and supplemental food programs as defined below:

  1. Commodity Supplemental Food Program - The Commodity Supplemental Food Program serves primarily low-income senior citizens in areas of Chicago and Cook county and in Metro St. Louis (Madison and St. Clair County) and Southeastern Illinois (including Jackson, Franklin, Williamson, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Massac, Pulaski and Alexander counties). The program's goals are to improve the health and nutritional status of the elderly.
  2. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) - The mission of the WIC program is to improve the health status of women, infants and children; to reduce the incidence of infant mortality, premature births and low birth weight; and to aid in the development of children. The program serves income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age who have a medical or nutritional risk
    1. WIC Food & Nutrition Center - The WIC Food & Nutrition Centers provide direct distribution of WIC Food Benefits and other related program benefits for WIC Program participants.
    2. Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program - provides specialized breastfeeding education, encouragement and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Peer Counselors do on-site counseling and education, home visits, telephone consultations, hospital visits, and lead support groups. Peer Counselors also assist participants with breast pump use and provide outreach to hospitals and physicians on breastfeeding services offered.
    3. Farmers' Market Nutrition Program - promotes the routine consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by providing checks to pregnant and breastfeeding women, postpartum women, infants over 6 months, and children from age one to five participating in the WIC Program which can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers' markets and roadside stands in select counties. Nutrition education materials, including recipes, are also distributed
    4. Special Projects
      • WIC Statewide Outreach - This special project provides statewide outreach and education to community organizations and providers on the WIC Program, and identifies program participation barriers and ways to address them.
  3. SNAP Education - Illinois' SNAP Education Program provides practical nutrition education for low-income households. Through a working partnership, the Illinois SNAP Program, and the Provider jointly facilitate SNAP-Ed delivery with support and guidance from USDA-FNS. The ultimate goal of the Illinois SNAP-Ed Program is to safeguard the health and well being of low income households by providing access to a healthy, nutritious diet.
  4. SNAP Outreach - The SNAP Outreach Program is conducted in partnership with public and non-profit agencies to: identify potentially eligible SNAP recipients; provide information on the nutritional benefits of SNAP to help them make an informed decision on participation; and assist with increased understanding of the application procedures, eligibility requirements, correct myths and misperceptions surrounding SNAP. USDA reimburses the State and its contracted agencies for 50% of the allowable costs approved by USDA's SNAP Outreach Program.

C. Definitions of Commonly Used Terms and Acronyms

  1. USDA - United States Department of Agriculture
  2. CSFP - Commodity Supplemental Food Program
  3. FIFO - First In First Out
  4. WIC - Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
  5. BFPC - Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
  6. FMNP - Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
  7. SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  8. BFN - Bureau of Family Nutrition
  9. DFCS - Division of Family and Community Services
  10. DHS - Department of Human Services (Illinois)