TO: Illinois WIC Vendors
FROM: Stephanie Bess, M.S., R.D., LDN
Chief, Bureau of Family Nutrition
SUBJECT: WIC Vendor Notice 23-06 - Federal Fiscal Year 2024
DATE: September 26, 2023
As you are likely aware there is concern of the possibility of a federal government shutdown on October 1, 2023. This would happen if no budget or continuing resolution is in place at the end of the day September 30th. The Department is closely monitoring the situation and funding levels. The most immediate concern for WIC will be having sufficient food funds in place to cover the costs of food benefits already issued.
Currently the Department believes there are adequate funds available to cover food costs through the month of October. We will wait for guidance from the USDA and the National WIC Association as we move forward and will continue to provide updates via email and on the website at www.dhs.state.il.us/wicvendor.
Until we know more, WIC is open for business with no planned changes at this time and vendors are expected to continue to accept WIC EBT cards for transactions and will continue to be paid for WIC products sold.
If you have any questions, we strongly recommend referring to the DHS WIC Vendor page (www.dhs.state.il.us/wicvendor) for up-to-date information and regular updates about the WIC Vendor Program. You may also reach out to our offices at DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov or by phone at 844-901-0962 (leave a message with your vendor ID and store name and we will call you back within 1 business day).
