All Authorized WIC Vendors in Illinois will be required to adjust minimum stocking standards based on the changes outlined in this document effective October 1, 2022.
New Minimum stocking requirement groupings
Requirements are now based on vendor peer group assignment, and not on the county the vendor is located in.
Peer Group Designations
| Peer Group |
Designation |
| 1 |
Commissary Store |
| 3 |
1 - 3 WIC Enabled Cash Registers, located in a Zip Code designated as Rural per USDA RUCA Codes |
| 4 |
4 - 11 WIC Enabled Cash Registers, located in a Zip Code designated as Rural per USDA RUCA Codes |
| 5 |
12+ WIC Enabled Cash Registers, located in a Zip Code designated as Rural per USDA RUCA Codes |
| 6 |
1 - 3 WIC Enabled Cash Registers, located in a Zip Code designated as Urban per USDA RUCA Codes |
| 7 |
4 - 11 WIC Enabled Cash Registers, located in a Zip Code designated as Urban per USDA RUCA Codes |
| 8 |
12+ WIC Enabled Cash Registers, located in a Zip Code designated as Urban per USDA RUCA Codes |
| Pharmacy |
Store authorized as a Pharmacy only WIC Vendor. |
If you are unsure of your store's Peer Group Assignment, you may reach out to DHS at DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov.
Fruits & Vegetables
All vendors in peer groups 1 through 8, are required to carry at a minimum two (2) types of fresh fruit and two (2) types of fresh vegetable. The remaining Fruit & Vegetable stocking requirement may be met by carrying canned or frozen fruits and vegetables.
Cheese
Minimum stock is met by either 8-ounce or 16-ounce block cheeses based on the types listed on the Authorized Food List.
Eggs
Grade A or Grade AA Large or Extra-Large White Eggs. Extra-Large eggs have been added as they are now a WIC Authorized Food.
Cereals
Cereal size must be 12oz. or larger as cereal containers smaller than 12oz. are not WIC eligible as clarified on the Authorized Food List.
Juice
Specifying how many 48oz or 12oz juices and how many 64oz juice containers must be maintained. This is to avoid confusion between the size requirements of juices that must be maintained. Total quantities are not adjusted.
Beans or Peas
Adding the option to meet the minimum stocking requirement with canned beans to allow more flexibility in stocking requirements.
Infant Cereal
Removing rice cereal requirement as it is no longer a WIC Authorized Infant Cereal.
Baby Meats
Removing this requirement from the minimum stock as redemption is relatively low on this item. It is still an authorized WIC food, and participants may still purchase, but it is not a requirement for vendors to maintain stock at all times.
