CVS Pharmacy accepts WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program benefits in participating stores. WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides vouchers for certain foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, and whole grains, to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children under the age of 5. To use WIC benefits at CVS, participants must present their WIC card and a valid form of identification at the checkout counter.
Do CVS Accept SNAP?
Yes, CVS does accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. SNAP is a federal nutrition assistance program that provides low-income individuals and families with benefits to purchase food.
Approved Products at CVS
You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase a wide variety of food items at CVS, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Nonalcoholic beverages
You cannot use your SNAP benefits to purchase:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Lottery tickets
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
| Category | Approved Items | Disapproved Items |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried | N/A |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Fresh, frozen, or canned | N/A |
| Dairy Products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs | N/A |
| Bread and Cereals | Bread, pasta, rice, cereal | N/A |
| Nonalcoholic Beverages | Water, juice, soda | Alcohol |
| Other | N/A | Alcohol, tobacco products, lottery tickets, vitamins and supplements, pet food |
Using WIC at CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy accepts WIC benefits for eligible customers, providing access to nutritious food and support for families in need. To use WIC at CVS, follow these steps:
- Bring your WIC card: Present your valid WIC card at the checkout counter.
- Select eligible items: Choose WIC-approved food items from the designated WIC section or anywhere in the store.
- Pay with your WIC card: The cashier will swipe or scan your WIC card to deduct the cost of WIC-eligible items.
- Complete the transaction: Pay any remaining balance using other payment methods, such as cash or credit.
Note:** Some CVS locations may have a separate WIC checkout counter for faster service.
WIC-Approved Food Items at CVS
| Food Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Milk | Whole milk, 2%, and 1% milk |
| Cheese | Natural cheddar, Colby, and mozzarella |
| Eggs | Fresh or frozen eggs |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables |
| Cereal | Whole-grain or fortified cereals |
| Juice | 100% fruit juice without added sugar |
Benefits of Using WIC at CVS
- Access to nutritious food: WIC provides eligible families with a wide range of healthy food items.
- Budget-friendly: WIC benefits supplement grocery bills, helping families save money on food.
- Convenience: CVS has numerous locations across the country, making it easy to access WIC benefits.
- Support and information: CVS staff can provide assistance and guidance on WIC eligibility and food choices.
Eligibility Requirements for WIC
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant woman, a new mother, or have a child under the age of 5.
- Be a resident of the United States.
- Have a family income that is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Have a nutritional risk factor, such as being anemic, underweight, or having a history of preterm birth.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for WIC at your local health department or WIC clinic.
You can also check your eligibility online at the WIC website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-eligibility
| Family Size | 185% of Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,565 |
| 2 | $3,450 |
| 3 | $4,335 |
| 4 | $5,220 |
| 5 | $6,105 |
| 6 | $6,990 |
| 7 | $7,875 |
| 8 | $8,760 |
| Each additional family member | $885 |
Benefits of Using WIC at CVS
Using WIC at CVS offers numerous advantages for eligible families and individuals. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Convenient locations: CVS has over 9,000 locations nationwide, making it easy to find a store near you that accepts WIC.
- Wide selection of eligible products: CVS offers a wide variety of WIC-approved foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, and whole grains.
- Personalized nutrition counseling: CVS provides free nutrition counseling services to WIC participants, helping them make informed and healthy food choices.
- Earn ExtraCare rewards: WIC participants can earn ExtraCare rewards points when they purchase eligible WIC items at CVS, which can be redeemed for future purchases.
- Easy to use: The WIC program at CVS is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate for participants.
Eligibility for WIC at CVS
To be eligible for WIC at CVS, you must meet certain income and nutritional risk criteria. Here are the general eligibility requirements:
1. Income: Must be within 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
2. Nutritional risk: Must be at nutritional risk, as determined by a healthcare professional.
3. Residency: Must reside in the state where you are applying for WIC.
4. Category: Must fall into one of the eligible categories, such as pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5 years old.
How to Apply for WIC at CVS
To apply for WIC at CVS, you can follow these steps:
1. Visit a local CVS store: Locate a CVS store that accepts WIC and inquire about the WIC program.
2. Bring necessary documents: Bring proof of income, proof of residency, and any documentation related to nutritional risk.
3. Meet with a WIC staff member: A WIC staff member will review your eligibility and provide you with information about the program.
4. Receive a WIC card: If approved, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase WIC-approved foods at CVS.
WIC-Approved Foods at CVS
The following table lists some of the WIC-approved foods available at CVS:
| Category | Eligible Foods |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, blueberries |
| Vegetables | Carrots, celery, cucumbers, leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes |
| Milk | Whole milk, 2% milk, 1% milk, skim milk, lactose-free milk |
| Cheese | Cheddar cheese, American cheese, mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese |
| Eggs | Whole eggs, egg whites, egg yolks |
| Whole Grains | Brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta |
Well, there you have it, folks! I hope this article has cleared up all your burning questions about whether or not CVS accepts WIC. As always, thanks for stopping by and giving me a read. Be sure to bookmark this page or check back later for more information on WIC and other related topics. Until next time, stay informed and keep your wallets healthy!