Most WIC programs do not let you order food online yet, but some states are testing online ordering through specific retailers

As of now, the vast majority of WIC programs require you to shop in person at authorized stores and swipe your WIC card at checkout. You cannot place an order online, have it delivered, or pick it up the way you would with a regular grocery order. However, a small number of states and retailers are running pilot programs that allow online WIC purchases — and this is expanding, though slowly.

The reason for the delay is technical and regulatory. WIC benefits are tied to specific approved foods (infant formula, milk, eggs, beans, whole grains, and others vary by state). The system has to verify in real time that what you are buying matches your WIC category and household size. Most online grocery platforms have not yet built the infrastructure to do this verification the way a store cashier can.

Your best source for current information about online ordering in your state is your state WIC program office or your local WIC agency. They can tell you whether your state is part of a pilot, which retailers participate, and what the process looks like.

Key Takeaways

  • Most WIC programs still require in-person shopping with your WIC card at authorized retailers.
  • A few states are testing online ordering through specific retailers like Amazon Fresh and Walmart, but availability is limited and varies by state.
  • Your state WIC office is the only source that can tell you whether online ordering is available where you live right now.
  • Even in states with online pilots, you may still need to pick up your order in person or meet other requirements that differ from regular online grocery shopping.

Which states currently allow WIC online ordering

As of early 2024, a handful of states have launched or are testing online WIC ordering through specific retailers. New York, California, and a few others have partnerships with Amazon Fresh and Walmart to allow online purchases. However, the list changes as new pilots start and others end, and the rules differ by state and retailer.

Some states limit online ordering to specific WIC food categories, require you to pick up rather than have items delivered, or restrict which stores participate. A program that works in one county may not work in the next county over, even within the same state.

Because the landscape is shifting, calling your local WIC office is the only reliable way to know what is available to you. They can also walk you through the steps if your state does offer it.

How online WIC ordering typically works in pilot programs

In states where online ordering is available, the process usually looks like this: you log into the retailer's website or app, add approved WIC items to your cart, and check out. The system flags items that are not on your WIC food list and prevents you from purchasing them. You then either pick up your order at the store or, in some cases, have it delivered.

You will still need your WIC card or account number to complete the purchase. Some programs require you to verify your identity or confirm your current WIC benefits before the order goes through. Delivery fees, if offered, are typically your responsibility and not covered by WIC.

The approved foods you can order online are the same ones you can buy in the store — they just appear in a filtered view so you do not have to hunt for them. If your state allows online ordering, your WIC office will provide a list of which retailers participate and any special instructions.

What to do if online ordering is not available in your state yet

If your state does not currently offer online WIC ordering, you will need to shop in person at an authorized WIC retailer. Bring your WIC card and your current WIC authorization document (sometimes called a food instrument or benefit card). The cashier will process your WIC purchase separately from any other items you buy with cash or another card.

You can find authorized retailers by calling your local WIC office or searching your state WIC program's website. Many states have a store locator tool that shows which supermarkets, farmers markets, and smaller grocers accept WIC in your area.

If you are unable to shop in person due to illness, disability, or caregiving responsibilities, ask your WIC office whether your state allows a proxy shopper — someone you authorize to shop on your behalf. Rules vary by state, and some require paperwork or a doctor's note.

When online WIC ordering might expand to your state

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees WIC, has been encouraging states to develop online ordering systems. However, there is no set timeline for when all states will have this option. Expansion depends on funding, retailer partnerships, and the state's ability to update its WIC management system.

States that already have strong relationships with large retailers and modern WIC technology tend to move faster. Rural states and those with smaller WIC programs may take longer to build the infrastructure. Some states may never offer full online ordering but might instead expand to curbside pickup or other limited options.

If you want to know whether your state is planning to add online ordering, your local WIC office can tell you if there is a pilot in development or a timeline for rollout.

How to find out what is available right now in your area

Contact your state WIC program office or your local WIC agency directly. You can find the number on your WIC authorization document, on your state's WIC website, or by calling 211 (a free referral line). Tell them you want to know whether online WIC ordering is available where you live and, if so, which retailers offer it.

Have your WIC case number or household information ready when you call. The staff can also answer questions about which foods you are authorized to buy, whether you have benefits left for the month, and how to use your WIC card if you are new to the program.

If you prefer not to call, many state WIC programs have this information on their website under "online ordering" or "eWIC" (electronic WIC). Some states also send updates by text or email when new features become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have WIC groceries delivered to my home?

In a few states with online ordering pilots, delivery may be an option through certain retailers like Amazon Fresh. However, most WIC programs do not yet offer delivery. Even where it is available, you may be required to pick up your order instead. Check with your local WIC office to see whether delivery is offered in your area and what the process is.

Do I need a different WIC card to order online?

No. Your regular WIC card or eWIC card works the same way online as it does in the store, assuming your state offers online ordering. You will enter your card number or account information during checkout. If your state does not yet have online ordering, your card only works in person at authorized retailers.

What happens if I try to order non-WIC foods online?

The online system will not let you purchase items that are not on your WIC food list. Those items will either be blocked from your cart or flagged as ineligible. You can only buy approved WIC foods with your WIC benefits, whether you are shopping in person or online.

Can I use WIC to pay for delivery fees or service charges?

No. WIC benefits cover only the approved foods themselves. Any delivery fees, service charges, or membership costs (like Amazon Prime) are your responsibility and must be paid with your own money, not with WIC.

What if my state starts offering online WIC ordering after I have already shopped this month?

You can start using online ordering whenever it becomes available. Your WIC benefits do not expire if you do not use them in a certain way — they work the same whether you shop online or in person. Your local WIC office will send you information about how to set up online ordering when it launches in your area.