WIC is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to children under the age of five. WIC benefits can be used to purchase healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and cheese. WIC also provides nutrition education and counseling to participants. WIC is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. To be eligible for WIC, you must meet income and residency requirements. You can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic or online.
## WIC-Eligible Grocery Stores
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental food benefits to eligible participants. These benefits can be used to purchase certain foods at authorized grocery stores.
### WIC-Eligible Food Categories
Benefits may be used to purchase food in the following categories:
– **Fruits and vegetables:** Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables
– **Whole grains:** Whole-wheat bread, pasta, brown rice, oats
– **Milk:** Whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk, fortified soy milk
– **Yogurt:** Plain yogurt, fortified soy yogurt
– **Cheese:** Natural cheese, processed cheese (e.g., American cheese)
– **Eggs:** Fresh or frozen eggs
– **Peanut butter:** Natural or low-fat peanut butter
– **Cereal:** Whole-grain, low-sugar cereals
– **Formula:** Infant formula
### Authorized Grocery Stores
WIC benefits can only be used at authorized grocery stores that have signed an agreement with the WIC program in your state. To find WIC-authorized grocery stores in your area, you can use the following resources:
– **WIC website:** Visit the WIC website for your state to find a list of authorized stores.
– **Call your local WIC clinic:** Contact your local WIC clinic to request a list of authorized grocery stores.
### WIC Shopping Tips
– **Bring your WIC card to the store:** You will need to present your WIC card at checkout to use your benefits.
– **Check the WIC-eligible food list:** Make sure the foods you are purchasing are on the WIC-eligible food list.
– **Look for the WIC logo:** Many authorized grocery stores display the WIC logo to help you identify eligible foods.
– **Use your benefits before they expire:** WIC benefits expire each month, so be sure to use them by the end of the month.
Where Can You Use WIC
The WIC program is a federal program that provides food assistance to women, infants, and children. WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, and eggs. WIC benefits can also be used to purchase certain types of baby food and formula.
WIC-Approved Stores
- Grocery stores
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Farmers markets
- Online retailers
WIC-Approved Farmers Markets
WIC benefits can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, and herbs from WIC-approved farmers markets. To find a WIC-approved farmers market in your area, you can visit the USDA website or contact your local WIC office.
| State | Number of WIC-Approved Farmers Markets |
|---|---|
| California | 1,000 |
| Texas | 500 |
| Florida | 300 |
Using WIC at Online Retailers
The WIC program has partnered with select online retailers to make it easier for participants to purchase WIC-eligible foods. To use WIC benefits online, you will need to create an account with the retailer and link your WIC EBT card. Once your account is set up, you can add WIC-eligible items to your cart and checkout using your WIC benefits.
- Amazon – WIC participants can use their WIC benefits to purchase eligible foods from Amazon.com. To use WIC benefits on Amazon, you will need to create an Amazon Mom account and link your WIC EBT card. You can then add WIC-eligible items to your cart and checkout using your WIC benefits.
- Walmart – WIC participants can use their WIC benefits to purchase eligible foods from Walmart.com. To use WIC benefits on Walmart.com, you will need to create a Walmart account and link your WIC EBT card. You can then add WIC-eligible items to your cart and checkout using your WIC benefits.
- Target – WIC participants can use their WIC benefits to purchase eligible foods from Target.com. To use WIC benefits on Target.com, you will need to create a Target account and link your WIC EBT card. You can then add WIC-eligible items to your cart and checkout using your WIC benefits.
Here is a table that summarizes the WIC online shopping options:
| Retailer | How to Use WIC Benefits |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Create an Amazon Mom account and link your WIC EBT card. |
| Walmart | Create a Walmart account and link your WIC EBT card. |
| Target | Create a Target account and link your WIC EBT card. |
## WIC-Participating Healthcare Providers
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible families. WIC participants can use their benefits at authorized healthcare providers who have been approved by the state or local WIC agency.
## Types of Healthcare Providers
WIC-participating healthcare providers include:
* **Healthcare Centers:**
* Community health centers
* Federally qualified health centers
* Rural health clinics
* **Hospitals:**
* Public hospitals
* Private hospitals with WIC clinics
* **Private Healthcare Providers:**
* Pediatricians
* Family physicians
* Obstetricians/gynecologists
* Registered dietitians
* WIC-authorized midwives
## How to Find a Participating Provider
To find a WIC-participating healthcare provider in your area:
* Contact your local WIC agency or visit their website.
* Use the USDA’s WIC Clinic Search tool: https://wic.fns.usda.gov/wps/portal/wic/clinic-search
## Using WIC Benefits
At a WIC-participating healthcare provider, you can:
* Receive a WIC food package
* Attend nutrition education sessions
* Get breastfeeding support
* Consult with a healthcare professional about any nutrition or health concerns
## Fees
WIC services are generally free for eligible participants. However, some providers may charge a small fee for certain services, such as:
* Appointment fees
* WIC-related lab tests
* Immunizations
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Appointment fee | $10-$20 |
| WIC-related lab test | $5-$15 |
| Immunization | $0-$25 |
Well, there you have it, folks! From grocery stores and farmers’ markets to online retailers and healthcare providers, the possibilities for using your hard-earned benefits are nearly endless. Remember, being on the hunt for healthy and affordable options doesn’t have to be a chore. So, be sure to keep an eye on our website for updates and new resources. In the meantime, keep eating those fruits, veggies, and whole grains. And until next time, happy shopping!