Will County WIC Won't Be Closing

Ongoing rumors linked to the Illinois State budget impasse have generated problems for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, (WIC), a federally funded initiative operated by the Will County Health Department since 1982, according to a release from the department.

WIC currently provides nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support for more than 7,900 eligible Will County residents. Resources are available to serve even more clients, but there is a stumbling block.

“Rumors have surfaced in the community alleging that Will County’s WIC program has closed, or is about to close,” according to Will County WIC Coordinator Ruth Forni. “In reality, WIC is open for business as usual and anxious to serve additional clients. Certified WIC clients are urged to keep their regular schedule of appointments and call with any questions. Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women who believe they could be eligible for WIC services should also call us. We have dedicated staff anxious to help.”

In late July, a suburban Cook County agency which operates the largest WIC program in Illinois announced that 19 clinics might need to be closed if legislation that would allow WIC funds to be processed by the state was not approved. The legislation was subsequently approved, and there were no WIC closures.

Rumors of an impending Will County WIC closure began surfacing in early August. Some clients have failed to keep regularly scheduled WIC appointments, and outreach efforts have been hampered by the ongoing rumors. Absolutely no closures are anticipated at this time.

“WIC is an important community resource,” Health Department Executive Director John Cicero said. “We’re trying to make sure everyone knows that our program remains fully operational.”

Will County WIC operates clinics at the Health Department’s main office in Joliet (501 Ella Avenue), the Northern Branch Office in Bolingbrook (323 Quadrangle), and the new Eastern Branch Office in Monee (5601 W. Monee-Manhattan Road). The Joliet office is available at 815-727-8524. Northern Will County residents may call the Bolingbrook office: 630-679-7010. Eastern Will County residents should call the Monee office: 708-534-5777. Services are also available twice monthly in Wilmington. Call 815-727-8524.

WIC is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Services are available to persons who meet the following eligibility requirements: pregnant women; breastfeeding women up to 12 months after delivery; postpartum women up to six months after delivery; infants, and children up to five years old. Clients must be at medical or nutrition risk and meet USDA income requirements.

Foods available through WIC include: milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, dried beans, legumes, peanut butter, cereal, whole grain breads, brown rice, and corn tortillas. Iron fortified formulas and baby foods are also available.