WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal assistance program that provides food assistance to low-income families. It can be used at a variety of grocery stores, including Costco. To use WIC at Costco, you must first be approved for benefits and have a WIC card. Once you have your card, you can shop for WIC-eligible items at Costco. You will need to pay for any non-WIC items you purchase. WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy food items, including milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, peanut butter, and fresh produce. WIC can also be used to purchase formula, breast pumps, and other lactation support items.
WIC Participation at Costco
Costco is not a direct participant in the WIC program. Therefore, WIC benefits cannot be used to purchase items at Costco stores.
WIC Program at Walmart
Walmart is a participating retailer in the WIC program. WIC recipients can use their benefits to purchase eligible food items at Walmart stores.
- Eligible food items include:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
To use WIC benefits at Walmart, WIC recipients must present their WIC EBT card at the register.
| Accepted | Not Accepted |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Costco |
WIC Eligible Food Items at Costco
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental nutrition support to eligible families. WIC participants can use their benefits to purchase a variety of nutritious foods at authorized retailers, including Costco.
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Peanut butter
- Beans
- Infant formula
- Baby food
To ensure that WIC benefits are used to purchase eligible foods, Costco has specific guidelines in place:
| Eligible WIC Food | Costco Products |
|---|---|
| Milk | All milk products, including whole, 2%, 1%, skim, lactose-free, and flavored milk |
| Cheese | Natural cheese, including cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Swiss |
| Yogurt | Whole milk, non-fat, and Greek yogurt |
| Eggs | All grades of eggs, including brown, white, and organic |
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables; juices; and dried fruits |
| Whole grains | Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal |
| Peanut butter | All peanut butter products, including natural, creamy, and chunky |
| Beans | Canned and dried beans, including black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans |
| Infant formula | All infant formula products, including powder, liquid, and ready-to-feed |
| Baby food | All baby food products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and cereals |
WIC participants should note that WIC benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items at Costco, such as diapers, wipes, or clothing.
SNAP Benefits at Big Box Stores
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used at most major grocery stores, including big box stores like Costco. However, it’s important to note that not all big box stores accept SNAP benefits. Some stores may only accept SNAP benefits for certain items, such as food or household items.
Here’s a table summarizing which big box stores accept SNAP benefits:
| Store | Accepts SNAP Benefits | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | Yes | SNAP benefits can only be used for food and household items. |
| Walmart | Yes | No restrictions. |
| Target | Yes | SNAP benefits can only be used for food and beverage items. |
| Sam’s Club | Yes | SNAP benefits can only be used for food and household items. |
| BJ’s Wholesale Club | Yes | No restrictions. |
Additional Information
- SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or other non-food items.
- To use SNAP benefits at a big box store, you will need to present your SNAP EBT card at checkout.
- You may be able to use SNAP benefits to purchase online groceries from big box stores that offer online ordering.
Grocery Delivery Options for WIC Recipients
Unfortunately, WIC is not currently accepted at Costco. However, there are a number of other grocery stores that do accept WIC benefits, including:
- Albertsons
- Fred Meyer
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Walmart
If you are a WIC recipient, you can use your benefits to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk and cheese
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Lean protein
WIC benefits can also be used to purchase infant formula and baby food.
| Store | Delivery Options | Minimum Order | Delivery Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albertsons | Delivery through Instacart | $35 | $3.99 |
| Fred Meyer | Delivery through Instacart | $35 | $3.99 |
| Kroger | Delivery through Kroger Delivery Now | $35 | $4.99 |
| Safeway | Delivery through Instacart | $30 | $3.99 |
| Walmart | Delivery through Walmart Grocery | $35 | $9.95 |
**Hey there, WIC shoppers!**
Wondering if you can score WIC benefits at your beloved bulk-shopping haven, aka **Costco**? Let’s break it down:
**The Answer:**
**Yes, indeed!** Many states participate in the WIC program with authorized redemption points at various retail locations, including the almighty **Costco**.
**Where to Find Participating Stores:**
To confirm that your local **Costco** is WIC-approved, visit the **USDA’s website** and enter your state and ZIP code. Boom! Instant information.
**Benefits to Remember:**
* You can use your WIC vouchers to purchase eligible WIC items from **Costco’s vast selection**, including milk, fruits, veggies, cereal, and more.
* **Costco’s generous return policy** allows you to rest assured that you’re getting the best bang for your WIC buck.
**Tips for Smooth Sailing:**
* **Carry your WIC ID card** and any required documentation to avoid any hold-ups.
* **Call ahead to confirm** with your local **Costco** that they accept WIC.
* **Be prepared to show your WIC vouchers** at the register.
**Thank you for reading!** We hope this helps you make the most of your WIC benefits at **Costco**. Don’t forget to visit our website again for more WIC-related tips and updates. Keep on saving big and eating healthy, WIC warriors!