The Illinois Department of Human Services announced that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, otherwise known as WIC, will continue in Illinois despite the federal government shutdown.  The state of Illinois received contingency funds from the United States Department of Agriculture, which will enable participants to maintain services through October.  WIC helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.  Illinois serves approximately 280,000 women, infants and children under the age of 5.  For more information, please contact the local WIC office.