Autumn 2025 Quarterly Vendor Call Minutes

Minimum Stock Changes

New Minimum Stock Requirements as of 10/01/2025.
Fruits & Vegetables
- Now need to maintain a stock of at least 3 different types of fresh fruits and 3 different types of fresh vegetables.
- The total value of your fruits & vegetables in stock must be either $20 or $30, depending on your store's peer group assignment.
Juice
- No longer require 48oz bottles or 12oz frozen; however, we strongly encourage vendors to continue stocking these juices, as some participants are still prescribed these sizes at this time.
- Now, you need to maintain a stock of 9 or 6 total bottles, depending on your store's peer group assignment, and you must maintain a stock of at least 2 different flavors.
Infant Formula
- Must have a combined total of 20 or 30 cans, depending on your store's peer group assignment.
- Must have a stock of Enfamil Infant Formula in a yellow WIC-size can.
- Must have at least one other type of powder contract formula: Gentlease, AR, ProSobee, or Reguline in WIC-size cans.

Beginning February 1, 2026, the Illinois WIC program will begin a transition from providing the Enfamil line of formula products from Mead Johnson to the Similac line of formula products from Abbott.
Similac and Enfamil formulas are nutritionally comparable, and both meet federal standards for infant formula.
During the transition, Stock both brands in WIC-eligible sizes (Mead Johnson and Abbott) through April 30, 2026.
- This ensures families with Mead Johnson benefits can still find their prescribed formula.
Minimum Stock Requirement (February-April 2026):
During the transition period, vendors are expected to maintain a b of powder infant formula (Mead Johnson and/or Abbott) as follows:
- Rural vendors: at least 20 cans total
- Urban vendors and pharmacies: at least 30 cans total
- Vendors will not be cited for stocking below normal brand-specific minimums during this period as long as they meet the combined total requirement.
Expect continued redemptions for both Enfamil and Similac formulas during the February-April transition period.
February-April 2026: WIC participants will begin receiving Abbott formula at regular appointments.
By May 1, 2026: All participants issued formula will receive Abbott formula benefits.

Illinois WIC is paying close attention to the federal shutdown and potential implications on the WIC program.
At this time, WIC is fully functioning in Illinois, and we are feeling good about November and will definitely be open on and after 11/1!
Participants should be able to redeem their WIC Benefits at vendors, and vendors will be paid for the WIC items they sell.
If the situation changes, we will make sure to let vendors know as soon as possible, primarily via email.

* Importance of checking emails & keeping the state updated with a current email address.