Illinois WIC Approved Foods

Illinois WIC maintains an Authorized Food List (AFL) published by the Illinois Department of Human Services, updated periodically throughout the year to reflect current approved brands and package sizes. The current list is available at dhs.state.il.us — check with your local WIC clinic or the WICShopper app for the latest updates, since the static PDF version may lag behind recent additions.

Illinois WIC Food Package Highlights

Milk: Illinois includes both cow's milk and soy milk as standard options. Approved soy milk brands are Silk, 8th Continent, and Bettergoods, in plain or original flavor, 64 oz.

Whole grains: Whole wheat bread, corn and whole wheat tortillas, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, bulgur, and oatmeal are approved. Your monthly whole grain benefit is measured in ounces, so you can mix and match approved products.

Tofu: Included as a standard protein option in Illinois WIC food packages — check the current Authorized Food List for approved brands and package sizes.

Breakfast cereal: Both hot cereals (like oatmeal) and cold cereals meeting WIC's nutrition criteria are approved, with specific brands and package sizes listed on the Authorized Food List.

Canned fish: Available for breastfeeding women and children — approved varieties include chunk light tuna, pink salmon, and sardines.

Fruits and vegetables (Cash Value Benefit): Every participant receives a monthly Cash Value Benefit for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugar, salt, or sauces. For fiscal year 2026, the CVB is $26 a month for children, $48 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for breastfeeding participants — figures set federally and applied nationwide.

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

Illinois participates in the seasonal WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides additional vouchers redeemable at participating farmers' markets for fresh, locally grown produce during the summer and fall growing season. Look for the WIC logo at participating Illinois farmers' markets.

Shopping Tips for Illinois WIC

Illinois WIC EBT cards are accepted at authorized grocery retailers statewide. If you're in a rural county and having trouble finding a nearby WIC-authorized store, contact your local WIC clinic for assistance. Online nutrition education is available at wichealth.org, which lets Illinois WIC participants complete some nutrition education requirements remotely between clinic visits. Benefits generally do not roll over month to month, so use them before the end of each benefit period.