The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides food assistance and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children under the age of five. While WIC benefits can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets, there are some restrictions on where WIC benefits can be used. For example, WIC benefits cannot be used to purchase online groceries, including from Amazon.com. This is because WIC benefits are only valid for food purchases made in person at authorized WIC retailers.
WIC EBT Payment Options
Amazon does not directly accept WIC EBT cards as payment for groceries. However, there are a few ways to use WIC benefits on Amazon.
- Amazon Prime WIC Card: Amazon offers a WIC-specific Prime membership called Amazon Prime WIC. With this membership, you can purchase eligible WIC items on Amazon using your WIC EBT card. You can also get free shipping on orders over $35.
- Third-Party Resellers: Some third-party resellers on Amazon accept WIC EBT cards. These resellers are typically small businesses that sell WIC-eligible foods.
- Gift Cards: You can purchase Amazon gift cards using your WIC EBT card at participating retailers. Once you have an Amazon gift card, you can use it to purchase eligible WIC items on Amazon.
| Payment Option | Eligibility | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime WIC Card | Must have a valid WIC EBT card | Apply for Amazon Prime WIC membership online |
| Third-Party Resellers | Varies by reseller | Check product listings for WIC eligibility |
| Gift Cards | Must have a valid WIC EBT card | Purchase Amazon gift cards at participating retailers |
Amazon Fresh SNAP Benefits
Amazon Fresh accepts SNAP benefits, allowing eligible customers to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase groceries online.
How to Use SNAP Benefits on Amazon Fresh
- Create an Amazon account and add your EBT card as a payment method.
- Shop for eligible groceries from the Amazon Fresh store.
- At checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method.
SNAP-Eligible Items on Amazon Fresh
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Bread and cereal
Restrictions on SNAP Benefits on Amazon Fresh
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Non-food items, such as household products or electronics
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Prepared meals or food that is ready to eat
- Delivery fees
Table of SNAP-Eligible Food Categories and Examples
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Apples, oranges, bananas, broccoli, carrots |
| Meat and poultry | Chicken, beef, pork, fish, shrimp |
| Fish and seafood | Salmon, tuna, crab, oysters, clams |
| Dairy products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, eggs |
| Bread and cereal | Bread, pasta, rice, oats, crackers |
WIC Vendor Participation
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program that provides food assistance to low-income pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. WIC can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and eggs.
Amazon does not accept WIC directly, but there are a few ways to use WIC benefits to purchase items from Amazon.
- Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards: Some states issue WIC benefits through EBT cards. EBT cards can be used to purchase eligible WIC foods at authorized retailers, including Amazon.
- Online WIC vendors: A few online vendors accept WIC benefits. These vendors typically offer a limited selection of WIC-eligible foods, but they may offer home delivery, which can be convenient for families with young children.
To find a WIC-authorized online vendor, visit the USDA WIC website and search for “online vendors” in your state.
Here is a table summarizing the different ways to use WIC benefits to purchase items from Amazon:
| Method | Availability | Convenience | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBT cards | Varies by state | Easy to use | Limited to authorized retailers |
| Online WIC vendors | Limited availability | Convenient (offers home delivery) | Limited selection of WIC-eligible foods |
If you are unable to find a WIC-authorized online vendor, you may want to consider using Amazon’s Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits instead. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wider variety of foods than WIC benefits, including non-food items like diapers and wipes.
Does Amazon Accept WIC?
Amazon does not accept WIC benefits with the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). WIC is a government program that provides food benefits to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children under the age of five. WIC benefits can be used to purchase healthy foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
SNAP Participation on Amazon
Amazon does accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps. SNAP is a government program that provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items such as bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and snacks.
| Payment Option | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| SNAP EBT Card | Web, iOS and Android mobile app |
| SNAP Reloadable Card (e.g., Amazon Cash, Visa, or Mastercard) | Web, iOS and Android mobile app |
To use SNAP benefits on Amazon, you must first create an Amazon account and link your SNAP EBT card or SNAP Reloadable Card to your account. Once your card is linked, you can purchase eligible food items on Amazon.com. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as clothing, household items, or personal care products.
That’s all for now, folks! Thanks for hanging out and learning about whether Amazon accepts WIC. Remember, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to saving money on groceries. If you’re ever curious about another shopping-related question, don’t hesitate to drop by our blog again. We’re always here to provide you with helpful info and tips to make your shopping experiences a breeze. Until next time, keep on saving and shopping smart!