Does Walmart Accept WIC? How To Use WIC At Walmart

If you want to make the most of your WIC benefits, you should know where and how to use them. Shopping at major retailers like Walmart can be a great choice. Walmart is one of the largest grocery retailers, with over 3,500 supercenter stores throughout the U.S. But does Walmart accept WIC? How does it work in-store vs. online?

1. Does Walmart Accept WIC in Stores? 

Walmart has been a long-time partner of the WIC program. Many Walmart stores accept WIC benefits for in-store purchases. However, WIC acceptance is not guaranteed at every location. The state’s WIC agency must individually authorize each store to accept WIC payments. 

To confirm whether your local Walmart accepts WIC, you have a few options: 

• Contact your local WIC office. They can provide a list of WIC-authorized retailers in your area, including participating Walmart stores. 
• Call the store directly and ask if they currently accept WIC. This is the simplest way. 
• Check online since some state WIC programs list authorized retailers on their websites.

2. Does Walmart Accept WIC Online? 

Walmart now accepts online WIC purchases, but currently only for WIC cards issued in Washington and Massachusetts. 

If you’re a WIC participant in one of these states, you can shop online at Walmart.com or through the Walmart app using your WIC benefits. In Washington, WIC participants can now shop online at 67 Walmart locations. 

WIC only covers approved food items. It does not apply to non-food items, even if they’re in the same order. 

To use WIC online, your delivery address or pickup location must be within the same state that issued your WIC benefits. Orders cannot be shipped or picked up in a different state, even if the item is WIC-eligible. 

The Walmart app supports WIC payments. After linking your WIC card, the app allows you to see your WIC balance, which items are approved under your current prescription, and use your WIC card as a payment method at checkout. 

There are a few key things to keep in mind: shipping dates must fall before your benefits expire. Delivery fees and service charges are not covered by WIC, so you’ll need to pay for those with another payment method. Only one WIC card can be used per order. 

Walmart is actively working with other state agencies to expand WIC Online. Be sure to check for the latest updates. 

3. How to Use Your WIC Card at Walmart

To shop in-store with your WIC card: 

• Bring your selected WIC items to a regular checkout register. 
• Swipe your WIC card first and enter your PIN. 

Before shopping, review your WIC food list to understand what items you’re eligible to purchase this month. Shop for eligible items. 

To shop online with your WIC card (in Washington and Massachusetts): 

• Go to the Walmart WIC Online page and sign in or create a Walmart account. 
• Add your WIC card to your wallet. 
• Search for eligible items. Use the WIC filter or shop directly from your WIC food list. 
• Add items to the cart. Select WIC-approved items first. Add any non-WIC items to your order, which can be paid for separately. 
• Follow the prompts to check out. Enter your WIC PIN to apply your benefits. Use another payment method to cover delivery fees or ineligible items. 

WIC doesn’t cover discounts directly, but you can still take advantage of sales and promotions to stretch your food supply. 

4. What You Can Buy with WIC at Walmart

WIC benefits can only be used for specific food items approved by your state’s WIC program. They generally include: 

• Infant formula and baby food 
• Milk, cheese, and yogurt 
• Whole grains 
• Eggs, beans, and peanut butter 
• Fruits and vegetables 
• Cereal and juice 

Any WIC-eligible items are chosen to support growth, development, and overall health. They follow strict nutrition standards set by the USDA.  

For example, WIC cereal must contain at least 28 mg of iron per 100 g and no more than 6 g of added sugar per ounce; at least 75% of the cereal options must list whole grain as the first ingredient. For cheese, only domestic and pasteurized varieties that meet FDA standards are allowed (American, Cheddar, Jack, Mozzarella, etc).  

You can not use your WIC benefits to buy snacks, junk food, or non-food items.  

WIC gives you a list of items based on nutrition and health needs. On the other hand, SNAP allows you to buy nearly all grocery food items, and you can even purchase snacks, soda, and packaged meals in certain states. If you’re on SNAP/food stamps, you can use your EBT card at all Walmart stores and for online orders in participating areas.

5. Can WIC Recipients Get a Free Government Phone? 

You might not know that WIC recipients can qualify for a free government phone through the California Lifeline program.  

Lifeline is a government assistance program that provides free or discounted phone and internet services to eligible low-income households, including those in California. Certain providers (like AirTalk Wireless) even offer free smartphones as part of their plans.

WIC is one of the eligible public assistance programs that can qualify low-income California residents for the Lifeline program. If you or someone in your household is enrolled in WIC, you may apply for the California Lifeline program.

You may need to provide proof of participation, such as a recent benefits letter or an official document with your name and program details.  

1. Visit the provider’s website (like AirTalk Wireless) and enter your ZIP code to check availability. 
2. Choose a Lifeline plan that fits your needs. 
3. Pick a free phone or bring your own. 
4. Upload the necessary documents (if needed). 
5. Submit your application for review. 

Once approved, you’ll receive a free phone with a free SIM card and can start using your Lifeline service.

>>> Read more: WIC Benefits California – Everything You Need To Know

FAQs 

Does Walmart accept WIC in California?  

Yes, you can use your WIC card at many Walmart stores in California. But you cannot use WIC online at Walmart in California. Walmart accepts WIC in California, but only for in‑store purchases. 

Does Walmart delivery accept WIC? 

Walmart only accepts WIC for online orders in Washington and Massachusetts. Your delivery address or pickup store must be within the state that issued your WIC card. Delivery fees are not covered by WIC and must be paid separately using another payment method. 

Does Aldi take WIC? 

Aldi does not accept WIC benefits at any of its locations. Aldi accepts many payment methods, including EBT, debit, credit cards, and contactless pay, but it does not participate in the WIC program.  

Does Target accept WIC? 

Target does accept WIC, but availability varies by location and state. Confirm with your local Target or state WIC office whether a specific store participates.  

Conclusion

With a wide selection of eligible products and participating locations across the country, Walmart offers both convenience and value for WIC shoppers. Need help navigating WIC shopping at Walmart? Your local WIC office or Walmart customer service can guide you.