May 16, 2024
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WIC recipients will receive increased benefits this summer

Increase will help eligible families receive more fresh produce

By Denise M. Baran-Unland
Pictured is a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Families participating in the Will County Health Department WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program will see increased benefits during the summer months to them receive more fresh fruits and vegetables. (Timothy Baran)

Families participating in the Will County Health Department Women, Infants, and Children Program will see increased benefits during the summer months.

The vegetable and fruit voucher, also known as the Cash Value Benefit, has expanded from $9 a month for children and $11 month for women to $35 month per participant, according to a news release from the Will County Health Department.

The expansion is due to the American Rescue Plan Act authorizing state WIC agencies on March 12 to enhance their WIC benefits for a time period of fourth months, from June 1 through Sept. 30, the release said.

WIC introduced its vegetable and fruit in 2007 to increase the nutritional quality of the foods WIC approves and to help reduce the “prevalence of childhood obesity among WIC toddlers,” the release said.

WIC program coordinator Pat Krause said in the release expanded benefits is a good way to encourage families to try new foods.

“Especially during this time of year when we have so much delicious produce to choose from,” Krause added.

WIC services are available at health department’s Joliet, Bolingbrook and Monee branch offices.

Illinois residents can see if they’re eligible for WIC by visiting signupwic.com.