WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a government program that provides food and nutrition services to low-income women and children. In the past, WIC services were only available in person, but now many states offer online WIC services as well. This allows WIC participants to apply for benefits, schedule appointments, and check their account balance online. To use WIC online, you will need to create an account on your state’s WIC website. Once you have created an account, you will be able to log in and access your WIC benefits. Some states may also allow you to use your WIC benefits online at certain grocery stores.
What are WIC Online Benefits?
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a nutrition program that provides food assistance to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC can help participants obtain the nutrients they need to remain healthy and prevent diseases. WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of nutritious foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
- Meat
- Fish
In addition to providing food assistance, WIC also offers nutrition counseling and education to help participants make healthy eating choices. WIC is a federally funded program that is administered by state and local agencies.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be pregnant, breastfeeding, or a non-breastfeeding woman up to 6 months postpartum.
- Have a child under the age of 5.
- Meet certain income guidelines.
To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC agency. You will need to provide proof of income, proof of pregnancy or breastfeeding, and proof of your child’s age.
Using WIC Benefits
Once you have been approved for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase eligible foods at authorized grocery stores. You can also use your WIC card to purchase WIC-approved foods online.
| Website | Delivery Area | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Select areas | Free shipping on orders over $35 |
| Instacart | Most major cities | Delivery fees vary |
| Shipt | Select areas | Delivery fees vary |
When you purchase WIC-approved foods online, you will need to pay for the cost of the food with your own money. However, you will be reimbursed for the cost of the food when you submit your WIC receipt to your local WIC agency.
WIC eWIC Cards
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of five. WIC benefits can be used to purchase healthy foods, such as milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. In some states, WIC participants can also use their benefits to purchase food online.
To use WIC benefits online, you will need an eWIC card. eWIC cards are electronic cards that can be used to purchase food online from participating retailers. To get an eWIC card, you will need to contact your local WIC agency.
Once you have an eWIC card, you can use it to purchase food online from the following retailers:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Instacart
- Shipt
To use your eWIC card online, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Go to the website of the retailer you want to purchase food from.
2. Add the food you want to purchase to your cart.
3. At checkout, select “eWIC” as your payment method.
4. Enter your eWIC card number and PIN.
5. Complete the checkout process.
Your WIC benefits will be automatically deducted from your eWIC card. You can check your eWIC balance online or by calling your local WIC agency.
Benefits of Using WIC eWIC Cards
- Convenience: You can shop for food online from the comfort of your own home.
- Time savings: You don’t have to travel to a store to purchase food.
- Selection: You can choose from a wider variety of food items online than you can find in a store.
- Delivery: You can have your groceries delivered to your door.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using WIC eWIC Cards
- Not all WIC participants are eligible for eWIC cards.
- You will need to have an eWIC card to use WIC benefits online.
- You can only use your eWIC card to purchase food items that are approved by WIC.
- Your WIC benefits will be automatically deducted from your eWIC card.
- You can check your eWIC balance online or by calling your local WIC agency.
| Feature | WIC Vouchers | WIC eWIC Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Must travel to a store | Shop from home |
| Time savings | Time spent traveling and shopping | Time saved shopping online |
| Selection | Limited selection of food items in stores | Wider variety of food items online |
| Delivery | Must carry groceries home | Groceries can be delivered to your door |
Eligible WIC Items for Online Purchase
The availability of online WIC purchases may vary depending on the state or local WIC agency. However, certain WIC-eligible items are commonly available for online redemption.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (excluding juices)
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Canned fruits and vegetables in water or their own juice
Dairy Products
- Milk (whole, 2%, 1%, skim)
- Yogurt (plain, flavored)
- Cheese (natural, processed)
Whole Grains
- Brown rice
- Whole-wheat bread
- Oatmeal
Protein Foods
- Meat (beef, chicken, fish, pork)
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
Infant Formula and Baby Food
- Infant formula
- Baby food (purees, cereals, strained vegetables and fruits)
Other Eligible Items
- Infant cereal
- Whole-grain dry cereal
- Vegetable oil
Note: WIC benefits cannot be used to purchase ineligible items such as candy, soda, or tobacco products.
Participating Retailers for Online WIC Purchases
The following retailers allow you to use your WIC benefits online:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Instacart
To use your WIC benefits online, you will need to create an account with the retailer and link your WIC card. Once you have linked your card, you can add eligible WIC items to your cart and checkout using your WIC benefits.
| Category | Eligible Items |
|---|---|
| Dairy | Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables |
| Whole Grains | Bread, cereal, pasta, rice |
| Protein Foods | Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans |