Instacart does not directly accept WIC benefits as a form of payment. However, there are ways to use WIC benefits to shop for eligible food items through Instacart. One way is to use a WIC-authorized retailer that has partnered with Instacart. This allows you to purchase WIC-eligible items online and have them delivered to your home. Another way to use WIC benefits with Instacart is to purchase WIC-eligible items from a physical store and then use the Instacart app to schedule a delivery for the items. To do this, you will need to create an Instacart account and link your WIC card to your account. Once your WIC card is linked, you can add WIC-eligible items to your cart and checkout using your WIC benefits.
Does Instacart Take WIC?
As of now, Instacart does not directly accept WIC benefits as payment. However, there is an alternative method for using WIC funds on Instacart, through the use of a WIC-approved digital payment card.
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide on how to use a WIC digital payment card on Instacart, as well as a list of WIC-eligible foods available for purchase on the platform.
WIC Eligible Foods on Instacart
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Dairy products
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Eggs
- Infant formula
- Cereal
Additional WIC Food Categories
For a more comprehensive list of WIC eligible food categories, refer to the table below:
| Category | Eligible Foods |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables |
| Whole Grains | Whole-wheat bread, pasta, rice, and cereal |
| Legumes | Beans, lentils, and peas |
| Dairy Products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Fresh, frozen, or canned meat, poultry, and fish |
| Infant Formula | Powdered or liquid infant formula |
| Cereal | Whole-grain or iron-fortified cereal |
Online WIC Redemption with Instacart
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides healthy food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children up to age 5.
In recent years, Instacart has partnered with WIC agencies in select states to allow WIC participants to use their benefits to purchase groceries online. Here’s what you need to know about using WIC benefits with Instacart:
Eligibility
- To use WIC benefits with Instacart, you must be enrolled in the WIC program in a state that has partnered with Instacart.
- You will need to provide your WIC EBT card number and PIN to Instacart.
How to Use WIC Benefits with Instacart
- Create an Instacart account and link your WIC EBT card.
- Add eligible WIC items to your cart.
- Select “WIC EBT” as your payment method at checkout.
- Enter your WIC EBT card number and PIN.
Eligible WIC Items
The types of WIC-eligible items that you can purchase with Instacart vary by state. However, in general, you can use your WIC benefits to purchase:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
Fees
Instacart charges a delivery fee for all orders, including WIC orders. The delivery fee varies depending on the size of your order and the delivery location.
In addition to the delivery fee, Instacart also charges a service fee on all orders, including WIC orders. The service fee is a percentage of the total order amount, and it varies depending on the delivery location.
Benefits of Using WIC Benefits with Instacart
- Convenience: Instacart makes it easy to purchase WIC-eligible groceries online. You can shop from the comfort of your own home and have your groceries delivered to your door.
- Time-saving: Instacart can save you time by eliminating the need to go to the grocery store. You can simply order your groceries online and have them delivered to you.
- Variety: Instacart offers a wide variety of WIC-eligible items, so you can find everything you need in one place.
Limitations of Using WIC Benefits with Instacart
- Delivery fees: Instacart charges a delivery fee for all orders, including WIC orders. The delivery fee can vary depending on the size of your order and the delivery location.
- Service fees: Instacart also charges a service fee on all orders, including WIC orders. The service fee is a percentage of the total order amount, and it varies depending on the delivery location.
- Not available in all states: Instacart has partnered with WIC agencies in select states. If you live in a state that does not have a partnership with Instacart, you will not be able to use WIC benefits to purchase groceries online.
Conclusion
Using WIC benefits with Instacart can be a convenient and time-saving way to purchase WIC-eligible groceries. However, it is important to be aware of the fees associated with using Instacart. If you live in a state that has a partnership with Instacart, you can check the Instacart website to see if WIC benefits are accepted in your area.
WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income | Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,397 | $1,798 |
| 2 | $3,218 | $2,399 |
| 3 | $4,039 | $3,000 |
| 4 | $4,860 | $3,601 |
| 5 | $5,682 | $4,202 |
| Each additional person | $822 | $617 |
Finding WIC-Approved Products on Instacart
Families who participate in the WIC program can use their benefits to purchase food items on Instacart. However, it’s important to note that not all products on Instacart are WIC-approved. To find WIC-approved products:
- Open the Instacart app or website and sign in to your account.
- Select the store you want to shop from.
- Tap the “Filters” icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and tap “WIC Approved.”
- Instacart will now only show you products that are WIC-approved.
You can also search for specific WIC-approved products by using the search bar. Simply type in the name of the product you’re looking for, followed by “WIC.” For example, you could search for “milk WIC” or “cheese WIC.”
Once you’ve found the WIC-approved products you want to purchase, simply add them to your cart and checkout as usual. Your WIC benefits will be automatically applied at checkout.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps on how to find WIC-approved products on Instacart:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Instacart app or website and sign in to your account. |
| 2 | Select the store you want to shop from. |
| 3 | Tap the “Filters” icon in the top right corner. |
| 4 | Scroll down and tap “WIC Approved.” |
| 5 | Instacart will now only show you products that are WIC-approved. |
Payment and Eligibility Requirements for WIC on Instacart
The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program is a federally funded nutrition program that provides food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children under the age of five. Instacart, a grocery delivery service, now accepts WIC payments for eligible items, making it easier for WIC recipients to access fresh and nutritious food.
To use WIC benefits on Instacart, you must be enrolled in the WIC program and have an active WIC card. You can check your eligibility and apply for WIC benefits at your local WIC office or online through the USDA website.
Payment Requirements
- Instacart accepts WIC payments for eligible food items only. The list of eligible items varies by state, but generally includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and infant formula.
- To pay with WIC, select the WIC payment option during checkout. You will be prompted to enter your WIC card information, including the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code.
- The amount of WIC benefits you have available will be displayed during checkout. You can use your WIC benefits to purchase eligible items up to the amount available on your card.
- If the total cost of your order exceeds the amount of WIC benefits you have available, you will need to pay the remaining balance with another payment method, such as a credit card or debit card.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for WIC benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman.
- Be responsible for the care of at least one child under the age of five.
- Meet income guidelines set by the USDA.
You can find more information about WIC eligibility requirements and apply for benefits at the USDA website:
| Category | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Income | 185% of the Federal Poverty Level |
| Net Monthly Income | 100% of the Federal Poverty Level |
Thanks for taking the time to read our article on whether Instacart accepts WIC. We hope you found it helpful. If you have any other questions about using WIC, be sure to check out our other articles or visit the USDA WIC website. See you next time!