State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
After Your Child Turns 1 Year Old
WIC Clinic Tips
Make trips to the clinic easier:
* Ask clinic staff about walk-in or extended hours.
* Make sure to bring your children's favorite toys or books to entertain them while you wait.
* Sign up a family member, to serve as a proxy. Proxies with ID can pick up and shop with WIC checks.
* Don't forget that the parent/guardian has to be present for the recertification appointments.
* Did you know that you can complete your nutrition education online? Use a computer or smart phone to access WICHealth.org.
Avoid missed appointments:
* Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you at least one week before and the day of your appointment.
WIC Shopping Tips
Get the most out of your WIC checks:
* Check the "First Day to Use" and the "Last Day to Use" as soon as you get your WIC checks.
* Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you a week before the "Last Day to Use" your WIC checks.
Avoid lost or misplaced WIC checks:
* Keep your WIC checks and WIC ID in the same place each month (such as a basket near the door, reusable shopping bag, or diaper bag).
Make selecting WIC foods easier:
* Snap a photo of your favorite WIC approved brands and sizes with your phone to remind you at future visits.
* Use your phone calculator to keep track of your fruit and vegetable costs- if you spend less than the cash value, you won't get money back but if you go over, you can choose to pay extra.
* Ask when your favorite stores restock items to get the best selection.
* Keep track of the WIC items you do not use and remember to tell a WIC staff member at your next appointment. You may be able to receive more or less of certain items.
* Explain to your proxies how to use WIC checks. Take your proxy with you when you shop so he/she can learn the process.
Reduce hassles at the register:
* Make sure to bring your WIC ID to the store when you shop.
* Make sure your proxies sign the WIC ID before they get to the store.
* Separate your WIC foods from the rest of your grocery items in your cart to make it easier for the cashier to identify WIC foods.
- Group the WIC foods by each check.
- If the cashier has a negative attitude, first stay calm and ask questions to learn more about the cashier's concerns.
* If the cashier can't/won't address the issue, ask to talk to the store manager, go to the service desk, and call the WIC hotline at 1-800-843-6154.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights egulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
DHS 4331 (N-10-17) Tips for WIC Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 50,000 copies PO#18-0363
