WIC online shopping is available in most states, but the rules and which stores participate depend on where you live
You can use WIC benefits to buy food online in most states, but not everywhere and not at every store. The federal WIC program allows online purchases through approved retailers, though each state decides which stores to include in their online program. Some states have had online WIC for years; others added it recently or are still building their systems. The stores that accept WIC online are not always the same ones that accept it in person, and the products you can order online may differ slightly from what you can buy with your WIC card at a physical location.
Whether online WIC shopping works for you depends on three things: whether your state has launched an online program, which retailers participate in your state, and whether those retailers deliver to your address. You will need to check your state WIC program's website or call your local WIC office to find out which online stores are available to you right now.
Key Takeaways
- Most states now allow WIC purchases online through specific approved retailers, but the list of stores varies by state and changes over time.
- Major grocery chains like Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Instacart partner with WIC programs in many states, though not all states or all locations within a state.
- The WIC-approved foods you can order online are the same as those allowed in stores, but some retailers may have limited inventory of certain items.
- You typically use your WIC card or EBT card to pay for online orders, just as you would in person, though the checkout process varies by retailer.
- Your state WIC program website or local WIC office can tell you which online retailers are currently available in your area.
Which states allow WIC purchases online
As of 2024, the majority of states have launched or are piloting online WIC shopping, but the timeline and scope differ. States including California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois have had online WIC programs for several years. Other states added online shopping more recently or are still in early phases. A few states have not yet implemented online WIC purchasing, though federal policy now encourages all states to offer it.
The best way to know whether your state has online WIC is to visit your state WIC program's official website or contact your local WIC office by phone. They can tell you whether online shopping is available in your area, which retailers participate, and how to set up an online account if you want to use it. State programs update their online retailer lists regularly as new stores join or existing partnerships change.
Retailers that accept WIC online
Amazon Fresh, Walmart, Instacart, and regional grocery chains are among the retailers that accept WIC online in participating states. Amazon Fresh operates online WIC in California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia as of early 2024, though this list may expand. Walmart accepts WIC online in multiple states through its website and app. Instacart, which partners with local grocery stores, has added WIC support in some states and continues to expand.
Beyond these national options, many states work with regional or local grocery chains. Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and other chains participate in online WIC in certain states. The specific stores available to you depend on your state and sometimes even your county or zip code. A store that accepts WIC online in one state may not in another, and a store that accepts WIC in person may not yet accept it online.
To find the current list of online retailers in your state, log into your state WIC program's website, call your local WIC office, or check the USDA WIC website for links to state programs. Retailers are added and removed from online programs regularly, so the list you see today may be different in a few months.
How to place a WIC order online
The process for ordering WIC food online varies by retailer, but the basic steps are similar. First, create an account with the retailer if you do not already have one. Then, add WIC-approved foods to your cart — the retailer's website or app will usually label which items are WIC-may be able to access or filter the selection to show only approved products. At checkout, select your WIC card or EBT card as your payment method, just as you would use it in a physical store.
Some retailers require you to enter your WIC card number and PIN at checkout, similar to using it at a store register. Others may ask for additional information to verify your WIC status. After you place the order, you will typically receive a confirmation and a delivery window. Delivery times vary — some retailers offer same-day or next-day delivery in certain areas, while others may take several days. You may be charged a delivery fee, which is separate from your WIC purchase and must be paid with another payment method, not your WIC card.
If you have questions about how a specific retailer processes WIC orders, contact their customer service or check their WIC shopping guide. Your state WIC program can also walk you through the process for retailers available in your area.
WIC-approved foods you can order online
The foods you can order online with WIC are the same ones you can buy in a store: milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans, peanut butter, canned fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula or baby food if you are on the infant WIC program. Each state WIC program defines the exact brands and package sizes allowed, and those rules explore to online orders just as they do to in-person purchases.
Online retailers usually mark WIC-approved items clearly in their search results or product listings. If you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, check your state WIC program's approved food list before ordering. Some online stores have limited stock of certain WIC-approved items, especially fresh produce or specific brands, so you may not always find exactly what you would buy in person. If an item is out of stock, you can usually substitute a similar approved product or wait for the item to become available.
Delivery fees and payment for online WIC orders
Most retailers charge a delivery fee for WIC orders, though the amount varies. Some stores offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount, and a few retailers waive delivery fees for WIC customers. You cannot pay a delivery fee with your WIC card — you must use a separate payment method such as a debit card, credit card, or another form of payment the retailer accepts.
Your WIC benefits cover only the food items themselves, not the delivery fee, service fees, or any other charges beyond the groceries. Plan your budget accordingly when ordering online, since the total cost will be higher than the food alone. If you want to avoid delivery fees, you can still use your WIC card to shop in person at any store that accepts WIC, or you can choose a retailer that offers free delivery for WIC orders in your area.
What to do if online WIC is not available in your state yet
If your state does not yet have an online WIC program, you can still use your WIC card to shop in person at authorized retailers. Check your state WIC program's website for a list of stores near you that accept WIC. You can also ask your WIC caseworker which stores in your area participate in the program.
Many states are working toward launching online WIC or expanding their current programs. Contact your state WIC program to ask about timelines for online shopping in your area, or sign up for updates if your state offers them. In the meantime, shopping in person remains the primary way to use your WIC benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate account to use WIC online?
You need an account with the retailer, but you do not need a separate WIC account. Create a regular customer account with the store or app, then use your WIC card as your payment method at checkout. Some retailers may ask you to link your WIC card to your account the first time you use it.
Can I use WIC online at stores that do not deliver to my address?
No. You can only order from retailers that deliver to your zip code or address. If a major retailer like Walmart or Amazon Fresh does not deliver to you, check whether smaller local grocery stores in your area offer online WIC shopping with delivery or pickup options.
What happens if an item I ordered is out of stock?
The retailer will usually notify you before your delivery and offer a substitute item or refund. You can also contact the store's customer service to request a different approved product. Some retailers allow you to modify your order before it ships if you notice an out-of-stock item.
Can I use WIC for pickup orders instead of delivery?
Yes, if the retailer offers it. Some stores allow you to order online and pick up your groceries at the store, which avoids delivery fees. Check whether your local retailers offer WIC pickup when you place your order.
Is my WIC card information safe when I order online?
Major retailers use the same security measures for WIC card payments as they do for other payment methods. Your card information is encrypted during checkout. If you have concerns about a specific retailer's security, contact them directly or ask your state WIC program for information about their data protection practices.