Target, a popular retail store, accepts WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits. WIC is a federal program that provides nutritional support to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. Target provides a convenient shopping experience for WIC participants by having a designated WIC area in its stores. Shoppers can use their WIC card to purchase eligible food items, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and infant formula, as determined by the WIC program. To ensure a smooth transaction, shoppers are advised to present their WIC card and identification at the WIC checkout counter. Target has implemented this service to support families who rely on WIC benefits and to contribute to their well-being.
WIC-eligible Foods at Target
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.
Target accepts WIC at all of its stores. You can use your WIC card to purchase a variety of WIC-eligible foods at Target, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
- Beans
- Whole wheat bread
- Infant formula
- Baby food
To find out if a specific food is WIC-eligible, you can check the WIC website or ask a Target employee.
When you use your WIC card at Target, you will need to present your WIC card to the cashier at checkout. The cashier will then scan your WIC card and enter the amount of your purchase. You will then be able to pay for your purchase with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
| Food Category | WIC-eligible Foods |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables |
| Milk | Whole milk, 2%, 1%, or skim milk |
| Cheese | Natural or processed cheese |
| Eggs | Fresh eggs |
| Cereal | Whole wheat or iron-fortified cereals |
| Peanut butter | Peanut butter |
| Beans | Dried or canned beans |
| Whole wheat bread | Whole wheat bread |
| Infant formula | Infant formula |
| Baby food | Baby food |
WIC Program Restrictions
The WIC program has specific restrictions on what foods can be purchased with WIC benefits. These restrictions are in place to ensure that WIC participants are receiving the healthy foods they need to support their nutritional needs.
- WIC benefits can only be used to purchase foods that are on the WIC-approved food list.
- WIC participants cannot use their benefits to purchase non-food items, such as diapers, wipes, or toiletries.
Target
Target is a major retailer that accepts WIC benefits. Target stores have a wide selection of WIC-approved foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
Target also offers a convenient online shopping option for WIC participants. WIC participants can place their orders online and have their groceries delivered to their homes or picked up at a Target store.
| Food Category | WIC-Approved Foods |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables |
| Whole grains | Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal |
| Dairy products | Milk, cheese, yogurt |
| Eggs | Eggs |
| Peanut butter | Peanut butter |
| Canned fish | Canned tuna, salmon, or sardines |
Payment Options for Non-WIC Items at Target
When using a WIC card at Target, it’s important to keep in mind that WIC benefits can only be used to purchase WIC-approved items. If you wish to purchase non-WIC items during the same transaction, you will need to use an alternative payment method for those items.
Payment Options
- Cash
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Target RedCard
- Target GiftCard
Using Multiple Payment Methods
| Transaction Type | Payment Method for WIC Items | Payment Method for Non-WIC Items |
|---|---|---|
| Single Transaction | WIC Card | Cash, debit card, credit card, Target RedCard, Target GiftCard |
| Separate Transactions | WIC Card (for WIC items only) | Cash, debit card, credit card, Target RedCard, Target GiftCard (for non-WIC items) |
WIC Store Locator
Finding a store that accepts WIC can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service offers a WIC Store Locator tool to help you find WIC-authorized stores in your area.
To use the WIC Store Locator:
- Visit the WIC Store Locator website.
- Enter your address or zip code in the search box.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- The results will show a list of WIC-authorized stores in your area.
You can also use the WIC Store Locator to find stores that accept specific types of WIC foods, such as milk, cheese, or fruits and vegetables.
| State | Number of WIC Stores |
|---|---|
| California | 1,500 |
| Texas | 1,200 |
| Florida | 900 |
Thanks so much for joining me on this supermarket scavenger hunt! I hope you found the answers you were looking for today. Be sure to check back in with us soon, as we’re always digging up new info and discounts. Until next time, happy shopping!