The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. Generally, the 99 Cents Only Stores do not accept WIC. However, specific locations may accept WIC as a form of payment. Contact your local 99 Cents Only Store to inquire about their payment options and if they currently accept WIC.
Does the 99 Cent Store Accept WIC?
No, the 99 Cent Store does not accept WIC benefits. WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a government-funded program that provides food assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5. WIC benefits can only be used at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
WIC-Eligible Items
WIC-eligible items include:
- Infant formula
- Baby food
- Cereal
- Milk
- Juice
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Beans
- Cheese
- Fruits and vegetables
To find a WIC-authorized grocery store or farmers’ market in your area, visit the WIC website or call 1-800-356-6313.
Store Policies
The 99 Cent Store does not accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits. WIC is a federal program that provides supplemental food assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to the age of 5.
There are several reasons why The 99 Cent Store may not accept WIC benefits. One reason is that WIC is a federal program, and The 99 Cent Store is a private company. As a private company, The 99 Cent Store is not required to accept WIC benefits.
Another reason why The 99 Cent Store may not accept WIC benefits is that the store’s prices are already very low. WIC benefits are intended to help low-income families purchase healthy food, and The 99 Cent Store’s prices are already so low that WIC benefits would not provide much additional assistance.
Finally, The 99 Cent Store may not accept WIC benefits because the store does not have the necessary equipment to process WIC transactions. WIC benefits are typically processed through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, and The 99 Cent Store may not have the necessary equipment to process these cards.
## Government Assistance Programs
Government assistance programs aim to provide financial and nutritional support to individuals and families in need. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is one such program that provides supplemental food vouchers, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to eligible participants.
Authorized retailers are designated stores that accept WIC vouchers in exchange for food and other eligible items. These retailers undergo a certification process to ensure they meet program requirements and offer a variety of nutritious food options to WIC participants.
### WIC Authorized Retailers
- Grocery stores
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Community health centers
- Farmers’ markets (in some areas)
WIC typically does not authorize convenience stores or dollar stores as approved retail locations. The 99 Cent Store, being a dollar store, is generally not authorized to accept WIC vouchers.
## Eligibility for WIC
Eligibility for WIC is based on several factors, including:
- Income
- Nutritional risk
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Child’s age (up to 5 years old)
To determine eligibility, applicants must complete an assessment with a WIC staff member or authorized healthcare provider.
| Category | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Pregnant Women | Income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) |
| Breastfeeding Women | |
| Women with Infants | Income at or below 100% of FPL |
| Children (up to 6 months old) | |
| Children (6 months to 5 years old) |
## Benefits of WIC
WIC provides several benefits to eligible participants, including:
- Access to nutritious food
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding support
- Healthcare referrals
- Community support
The 99 Cent Store and WIC: What You Need to Know
The 99 Cent Store is a popular discount retailer that offers a wide variety of products at low prices. However, many people are unsure whether or not the store accepts WIC benefits. WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income families.
The good news is that the 99 Cent Store does accept WIC benefits. This means that low-income families can use their WIC benefits to purchase a variety of healthy foods at the 99 Cent Store.
Eligible WIC Foods at the 99 Cent Store
The 99 Cent Store accepts WIC benefits for a variety of foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Infant formula
Foods that are not eligible for WIC benefits at the 99 Cent Store include:
- Candy
- Soda
- Chips
- Cookies
- Other junk foods
Using WIC Benefits at the 99 Cent Store
To use WIC benefits at the 99 Cent Store, you will need to present your WIC card at the checkout counter. The cashier will then scan your card and deduct the amount of your purchase from your balance. You can use your WIC benefits to purchase as many eligible items as you need, up to the amount of your balance.
Benefits of Using WIC at the 99 Cent Store
There are many benefits to using WIC benefits at the 99 Cent Store. Some of the benefits include:
- You can save money on healthy foods.
- You can use your WIC benefits to purchase a variety of foods.
- You can easily use your WIC benefits at the 99 Cent Store.
Conclusion
The 99 Cent Store is a great place to use your WIC benefits. You can save money on healthy foods, and you can easily use your WIC benefits at the store. If you are a low-income family, I encourage you to use your WIC benefits at the 99 Cent Store.
| Food Type | Eligible WIC Foods | Non-Eligible WIC Foods |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables | Fruit juice, dried fruit |
| Milk | Whole milk, 2%, 1%, and skim milk | Flavored milk, chocolate milk |
| Cheese | Natural and processed cheese | Cheese spreads, cheese dips |
| Yogurt | Plain yogurt | Flavored yogurt, yogurt with added sugar |
| Eggs | Fresh and frozen eggs | Egg substitutes |
| Whole grains | Brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread | White rice, white bread, pasta |
| Infant formula | Iron-fortified infant formula | Soy formula, goat milk formula |
Well, there you have it! Now you know that the 99 Cent Store does, in fact, accept WIC. So next time you’re running low on groceries and need to stretch your budget, don’t hesitate to head to your local 99 Cent Store. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back often for more money-saving tips and tricks!