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(WAND) - The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Illinois is expanding its food package offerings. 

The changes took effect Feb. 25. 

Expanded options include: 

  • More package size options
  • New foods like corn masa flour, whole wheat English muffins, and sardines
  • Adjustments to some food quantities, reducing some items and increasing others to align with current nutrition science and key dietary needs 

Participants can substitute certain items based on families' preferences. For example, they can now select beans or peanut butter instead of eggs. 

Stephanie Bess, Associate Director of the Division of Family and Community Services and WIC Lead at the Illinois Department of Human Services said, "This update recognizes that WIC participants know what their families prefer. These changes make it easier for them to select foods at the store that best suits their families' needs." 

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