Online WIC shopping is available at some major chains, but not all stores participate yet

You can use WIC to buy groceries online at Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Instacart in most states, though which stores work with each service varies by location. Not every grocery chain has joined the online WIC program, and availability depends on your state's WIC agency and which retailers have signed up in your area. Before you shop online, check your state WIC program's website or call your local WIC office to confirm which retailers accept WIC in your state and whether online ordering is turned on for your account.

Online WIC ordering works differently than in-store shopping. You select WIC-approved foods from the retailer's website, check out with your WIC card or PIN, and the store delivers or you pick up your order. Some states require you to complete an online WIC training before your first purchase. The process is faster than in-store shopping if your state supports it, but you lose the ability to swap items at checkout the way you can in a physical store.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Instacart accept WIC online in many states, but you must check your state WIC program to see which retailers work in your area.
  • Your state WIC agency controls which stores can accept WIC online, so availability is not the same everywhere.
  • Online WIC orders show only approved foods, and you pay with your WIC card or PIN just like in-store shopping.
  • Some states require online WIC training before your first order; contact your local WIC office to learn about yours does.

Which retailers accept WIC online varies by state

Amazon Fresh accepts WIC online in California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington, though the list expands periodically. Walmart accepts WIC online in most states where it operates, including California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas. Instacart partners with local grocery chains and accepts WIC in select areas, often through stores like Safeway, Kroger, or regional chains. Each state's WIC program decides which retailers can participate, so a store that takes WIC online in one state may not in another.

Your state WIC agency maintains a current list of online retailers. You can find this list on your state's WIC website, usually under a section called "Authorized Retailers" or "Online Shopping." If you cannot find it online, call your local WIC office and ask which stores accept WIC online in your county. Staff can also tell you whether online ordering is active on your account and what steps you need to take before your first purchase.

How to shop for WIC online

Start by logging into the retailer's website or app and selecting WIC-approved foods. The online store shows only items you can buy with WIC — you will not see non-approved products mixed in. Add approved items to your cart, then proceed to checkout. At payment, select WIC as your payment method and enter your WIC card number and PIN, the same way you would at a physical store.

After you submit your order, the store processes it and either delivers to your home or notifies you when it is ready for pickup, depending on the retailer. Delivery or pickup usually takes one to three business days. You will receive a receipt showing what you bought and how much WIC paid. Keep this receipt in case you need to report the purchase to your WIC office or if there is a problem with your order.

What foods you can and cannot buy online with WIC

WIC online stores show the same approved food list as in-store shopping: milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, canned fish, whole grains, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and infant formula or baby food if you are on the infant benefit. You cannot buy prepared foods, snacks, sugary drinks, or non-food items like diapers or soap, even if the retailer sells them.

The online store's system filters out unapproved items automatically, so you can only add approved foods to your cart. If you see an item you think should be allowed but is not showing up, contact the retailer's customer service or your WIC office. Sometimes a product is approved but the retailer has not yet added it to the WIC-approved list on their website.

Online WIC training requirements by state

Some states require you to complete a short online training before you can use WIC to shop online. This training teaches you how to navigate the retailer's website, how to identify approved foods, and how to pay with your WIC card. If your state requires it, you will receive a notice from your WIC office with a link to the training. You must finish it before your first online purchase, though it usually takes only 15 to 20 minutes.

Other states do not require training and let you start shopping online right away once your account is set up. Contact your local WIC office to find out whether training is required in your state. If it is, ask for the link or instructions on how to access it. Some offices send training information by mail or email when you are first approved for WIC; check any documents you received when you enrolled.

What to do if online WIC is not available in your area

If no retailers near you accept WIC online, you can still use your WIC card at physical stores. Most grocery chains, farmers markets, and some corner stores accept WIC in-store. Your WIC office can give you a list of authorized retailers in your area. In-store shopping lets you swap items at checkout if you change your mind, which online shopping does not allow.

Online WIC availability is expanding, so check back with your state WIC program every few months to see if new retailers have joined. You can also ask your WIC office when they expect online shopping to become available in your area. Some states are rolling out online WIC in phases, starting with major cities and expanding to rural areas over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC to pay for delivery fees or tips on online orders?

No. WIC only pays for the approved food items themselves. You must pay any delivery fees, service fees, or tips with your own money or another payment method. Some retailers waive delivery fees for WIC orders, so check the retailer's policy before you place your order.

What happens if I order something that turns out not to be WIC-approved?

The online store's system should prevent you from adding unapproved items to your cart in the first place. If an item somehow gets through and you are charged for it, contact the retailer's customer service right away. They can remove the charge and reprocess your order with only approved foods.

Do I need to do anything special to turn on online WIC shopping on my account?

This depends on your state. Some states automatically turn on online shopping when you are approved for WIC. Others require you to request it or complete training first. Call your local WIC office to ask whether your account is already set up for online shopping or what steps you need to take.

Can I use WIC online if I do not have a computer or smartphone?

Most online retailers require a computer or smartphone to place an order. If you do not have access to either, ask your WIC office whether they offer in-person help with online ordering or whether a family member can place the order on your behalf using your WIC card information.