Illinois WIC has converted to Electronic Benefits Transfer for food benefits.

This has been advantageous for participants in the WIC program.

With this change has come more food choices. Although WIC is a supplemental food program, it supplies foods from all food groups, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

Under normal circumstances, the monthly cash-value benefit for fruits and vegetables are $9 per child and $11 for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women. Because of the passage of the American Rescue Plan, Illinois WIC has chosen to temporarily increase the cash value benefits for the purchase of fruits and vegetable up to $35 per child and adult per month for four months.

These additional benefits will start June 1 through Sept. 29.

This will increase the ability of WIC participants to buy and consume more healthy fruits and vegetables. WIC benefits can be used along with SNAP benefits. Eligibility includes women (pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum) infants and children up to 5. If you have SNAP, Medicaid or meet current income guidelines, you qualify.

Call La Salle County Health Department at 815-433-3366 to sign up.