Politics & Government

Will County 'WIC' Open for Business During Government Shutdown

"Funding is in place to support Illinois WIC services through Oct. 31," says Will County Health Department Executive Director John Cicero.

The following article was submitted by Vic Reato, media services manager, Will County Health Department:

Despite uncertainty generated by the partial federal government shutdown, it's business as usual for Will County Health Department WIC locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and University Park.

WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, serves more than 9,000 low-income pregnant women, breastfeedingwomen and children under the age of five in Will County. Eligible clients receive approved foods to supplement their diets and benefit from one-on-one nutrition education during appointments with a WIC specialist. Unfortunately, some clients mistakenly believe services have been suspended due to the recent federal government shutdown.

"Our WIC staff have been receiving calls from clients concerned about the program closing its doors due to the partial federal government shutdown," according to John Cicero, Will County Health Department Executive Director. "WIC programs throughout Illinois remain open for business and WIC clients should continue to keep scheduled appointments until further notice. Funding is in place to support Illinois WIC services through October 31."

Will County WIC offices are located inside Health Department facilities at 501 Ella Avenue in Joliet, 323 Quadrangle in Bolingbrook, and 44 Town Center in University Park. The Health Department has been the home of WIC services in Will County since 1982.

Across Illinois, WIC provides services to more than 280,000 women, infants,and children. The program currently serves 53 percent of all infants born in the U.S.


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