Illinois WIC Approved Foods
Once you're approved for Illinois WIC, your benefits are loaded monthly onto a WIC card that works like a debit card at authorized stores. Here's what's covered, how to check whether a specific brand or item is approved, and how the cash-value benefit for fruits and vegetables works.
This site is an independent, non-government WIC directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
Illinois WIC covers the same national food categories as every state — milk, eggs, cereal, whole grains, fruits and vegetables (via a cash-value benefit), juice, beans, and infant formula — but the specific approved brands, sizes, and quantities are set by the Illinois Department of Human Services. See the full Illinois list below.
Approved WIC Foods in Illinois
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.
Illinois WIC Approved Food Questions
Which soy milk brands does Illinois WIC approve?
Illinois WIC approves Silk, 8th Continent, and Bettergoods soy milk in plain or original flavor, 64 oz. Ask your clinic if you have questions about milk substitution rules.
How much is the Illinois WIC Cash Value Benefit for fruits and vegetables?
For fiscal year 2026, the monthly Cash Value Benefit is $26 for children, $48 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for breastfeeding participants. These amounts are set federally and apply nationwide.
Is the printed Illinois WIC food list always current?
Not necessarily. The Illinois Authorized Food List is updated periodically throughout the year, and the static PDF version may not reflect recent additions. Check with your local WIC clinic for the latest approved brands and package sizes, or use the WICShopper app to scan items before purchase.
Compare Other States
Approved foods, brands, and package sizes are set state by state. These share Illinois's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
What Is WIC?
An overview of the WIC program, who administers it, and how it works.
Learn more →WIC Eligibility
The four requirements to qualify for WIC — categorical status, income, nutritional risk, and residency.
Learn more →WIC vs SNAP
Compare who qualifies, what benefits are provided, and whether you can receive both programs.
Learn more →WIC Income Limits
See the current household income limits to qualify for WIC, and what counts as income.
Learn more →WIC Benefit Amounts
The exact dollar and quantity breakdown of the monthly WIC food package by participant category.
Learn more →WIC EBT Card
How to use your WIC EBT card at the store, check your balance, and what to do if it's declined.
Learn more →WIC Approved Foods
Browse WIC-covered foods by category, from milk and eggs to fruits, vegetables, and formula.
Learn more →Find a WIC Clinic
Search WIC clinic locations by state and city, with addresses and phone numbers.
Learn more →WIC Recertification
When your WIC certification expires, what to bring to your renewal appointment, and how to avoid a gap in benefits.
Learn more →