McHenry County residents who participate in the Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, program will see an increase in benefits over the next few months, the McHenry County Department of Health advised in a news release Thursday.

Under normal circumstances, eligible participants receive $9 per child and $11 for pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding persons for fruits and vegetables, according to the release. That amount has temporarily increased to a maximum of $35 per child and adult, per month until Sept. 30.

“It’s always a good time to offer baby and child healthy food choices or try out new recipes,” McHenry County Public Health Administrator Melissa Adamsons said in a statement. “With the temporary increase in benefits, our WIC families can introduce fruits and vegetables to their children that they might not otherwise consider purchasing.”

Beginning July 10, WIC recipients also can begin buying locally grown items by using vouchers at participating farmers markets, according to the release. The vouchers must be requested in advance and are provided on first-come, first-served basis.

The Women, Infants and Children program seeks to provides pregnant, postpartum or nursing parents, infants, and children up to the age of 5, who are at nutritional risk, with healthy foods to supplement their diets as well as health care referrals and nutrition education, according to the release. Parents and guardians must meet income requirements or be part of other programs, such as foster care, medical assistance or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

To learn more, go to bit.ly/MCDHWIC or call 815-334-4505.