Using WIC benefits online is possible through authorized retailers who participate in the program. WIC-approved foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk, can be purchased online and delivered to your doorstep. To utilize this service, you must register with an approved retailer and provide your WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card information. Once registered, you can browse eligible items online, add them to your cart, and complete the checkout process using your WIC benefits. The retailer will process your order and deliver the groceries to your preferred address, ensuring convenient access to nutritious food.
WIC Online Shopping Authorization
Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can now purchase eligible WIC foods online from authorized retailers. This expanded access to WIC benefits makes it easier for families to get the healthy foods they need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Shop Online with WIC
To shop online with WIC, you will need to:
- Be enrolled in a WIC program
- Have a valid WIC eWIC card
- Find an authorized online retailer that accepts WIC
Authorized Online Retailers
The following retailers are currently authorized to accept WIC online:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
More retailers are expected to be added in the future.
Eligible WIC Foods
Not all WIC foods are available for purchase online. The following foods are currently eligible for online purchase:
- Infant formula
- Baby food
- Cereal
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Beans
- Peanut butter
How to Use Your eWIC Card Online
When you shop online with WIC, you will need to use your eWIC card to pay for eligible foods. Here are the steps on how to use your eWIC card online:
- Add eligible WIC foods to your shopping cart.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Select WIC as your payment method.
- Enter your eWIC card number and PIN.
- Complete your purchase.
- Milk and dairy products: Whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
- Juices: 100% fruit juice
- Whole grains: Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa
- Iron-fortified cereal: Ready-to-eat or hot cereals
- Eggs: Whole eggs or egg whites
- Beans: Dried, canned, or frozen beans
- Peanut butter and jelly: Nut butters and fruit preserves
- Infant formula: Approved brands and types
- AmazonFresh: Offers a wide selection of WIC-approved foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole grains.
- Walmart Grocery: Provides WIC-eligible items from its online grocery store, including baby formula, cereal, and juice.
- Target: Allows WIC participants to purchase eligible food items through its Drive Up or Order Pickup services.
- Instacart: Partners with multiple grocery stores to deliver WIC-approved foods to participants’ homes.
- Shipt: Offers online grocery delivery from local stores that accept WIC benefits.
- Convenient and easy to use
- Securely tracks purchases
- Protects against fraud and unauthorized use
- Keep your card safe and secure.
- Activate your card before using it.
- Only purchase eligible WIC food items.
- Keep receipts for all purchases.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
Troubleshooting
If you have any problems using your eWIC card online, you can contact the WIC Helpline at 1-800-942-3678.
| Retailer | Website |
|---|---|
| Amazon | amazon.com |
| Walmart | walmart.com |
| Target | target.com |
Eligible WIC-Approved Products for Online Purchase
WIC benefits can now be used for online grocery shopping in many states, expanding access to nutritious foods for families with limited resources. Here are the types of WIC-approved products that can be purchased online:
| State | Website/App |
|---|---|
| California | WIC Online Shopping |
| Maryland | MyWIC Maryland |
| Missouri | MyMissouriWIC |
| New York | NYS WIC |
| Ohio | eWIC Ohio |
Participating Online Retailers for WIC Purchases
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food and nutrition assistance to eligible families. While WIC benefits were traditionally used at physical grocery stores, many retailers now offer online shopping options for WIC participants.
| AmazonFresh | Walmart Grocery | Target | Instacart | Shipt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selection of WIC items | Extensive | Moderate | Moderate | Depends on store | Depends on store |
| Convenience | Home delivery | Drive Up or Order Pickup | Drive Up or Order Pickup | Home delivery | Home delivery |
| Fees | May apply for non-Prime members | May apply for orders under a certain amount | May apply for orders under a certain amount | Delivery fee and service fee | Membership fee |
| Availability | Nationwide | Limited to areas with Walmart stores | Limited to areas with Target stores | Limited to areas with partner stores | Limited to areas with partner stores |
Note: Availability and fees may vary depending on location and retailer policies.
WIC EBT Card Use for Online Shopping
Currently, WIC recipients are unable to use their WIC EBT cards for online shopping. The cards are strictly intended for in-store purchases at authorized WIC vendors to ensure that eligible participants have direct access to the nutritious foods the program provides.
However, some authorized WIC vendors may offer home delivery or curbside pickup services for online orders. To find out if this service is available, contact your local WIC agency or check with individual vendors in your area.
Benefits of Using WIC EBT Cards
Tips for Using WIC EBT Cards
Authorized WIC Vendors
To find authorized WIC vendors in your area, visit the USDA’s WIC website or contact your local WIC agency. The following table lists some common WIC-authorized retailers:
| Store | Website |
|---|---|
| Albertsons | www.albertsons.com |
| Kroger | www.kroger.com |
| Safeway | www.safeway.com |
| Target | www.target.com |
| Walmart | www.walmart.com |
Thanks for taking the time to check out this article about using WIC benefits online. I hope it’s been helpful in answering any questions you may have had. If you have any other questions or want to learn more about WIC, be sure to visit the USDA website or your local WIC office. Thanks again for reading, and I hope to see you back here soon!