A. Overview and Benefits
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal grant program for which Congress authorizes a specific amount of funding each year for program operations. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the program at the federal level. It provides these funds to WIC state agencies (i.e., Illinois Department of Human Services) to pay for WIC foods, services, and administrative costs. Every month, WIC serves roughly 6.9 million mothers, babies, and young children up to age five at nutritional risk across the United States. The Illinois WIC program serves approximately 165,000 participants each month.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) administers the WIC program in Illinois by issuing grants to local agencies, which include county health departments, to provide WIC services to participants throughout the state.
Through this statewide network of local WIC agencies, nutritionists, nurses, and educators work to promote the relationship between good nutrition and healthy development. IDHS is committed to systematically addressing health inequities and environmental justice through the program's administration.
WIC has been proven to be an effective supplemental nutrition program that benefits Illinois families. For example:
For almost 50 years, WIC has contributed to healthier pregnancies and improved birth outcomes, ensuring a healthier future for our communities. It has been a cornerstone in efforts to support the health of mothers and babies.
WIC provides resources, knowledge, and tools to help support families. It's free for moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents, and all Illinois families who qualify.
B. Who Can Receive WIC?
Many families in Illinois and nationwide are eligible to participate in WIC. Eligibility is determined based on income and other criteria described below. WIC does not ask for or keep information about visa status or citizenship.
To be eligible for WIC, an individual needs to meet the following criteria:
- Be an infant, a child up to the age of five years, or a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum person,
- Have an income that is equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty guidelines and
- Live in Illinois.
C. Governing Rules and Regulations
The following Rules, Regulations, and Statutes govern all WIC Vendor contracts.
- USDA Federal Statutes and Regulations 7 CFR Part 246
- USDA Operating Rules for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Electronic Benefits Transfer
- WIC Vendor Management Act 410 ILCS 255/1 et seq.
- WIC Vendor Management Code 77 III. Adm. Code Part 672
D. Purpose of the WIC Vendor Policy & Procedure Manual
The WIC Vendor Policy & Procedure Manual, also referred to as the Vendor Handbook, incorporates existing federal regulations and policies pertaining to Illinois's food delivery system; any changes to the federal regulations, state code, and/or the program's policies and procedures will be incorporated as policy letters and/or agreement amendments and sent to vendors. This handbook intends to create a single clear and concise reference for all WIC Vendors to be able to refer to concerning WIC Policies, Procedures, and expectations.
E. Role of the Department
WIC Vendor Relations Unit
- Working with Vendors to foster positive working relationships.
- Developing, implementing, and enforcing procedures to ensure program integrity.
- Work with store personnel to handle questions about WIC Eligible foods, obtain specialty formulas, meet minimum stock requirements, and resolve ongoing vendor issues.
- Respond to participant/vendor complaints.
- Communicate policy and procedural changes to vendors.
- Host conference calls with vendors to facilitate communication between state staff and WIC Vendors.
- Recommend investigations against vendors who are suspected of violating Illinois WIC.
- Coordinating vendor Agreements and applications; authorizing and reauthorizing vendors to participate in Illinois WIC; and providing vendor training.
- Work to resolve ongoing problems.
Vendor Compliance Unit
- Conduct pre-authorization and orientation reviews.
- Conduct site visits and monitoring visits.
- Enforce federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Initiate actions for sanctions against vendors who violate Illinois WIC's policies and procedures.
- Providing general oversight of the vendor component of Illinois WIC.
- Implement cost containment processes.
