About Walmart:
Established in 1962 by Sam Walton, Walmart was founded with the aim of providing a better and easier life for customers by helping them save both time and money. It is one of the most gigantic retail chains in the United States. Walmart operates as a hypermarket that brings everything together in one place, allowing customers to purchase all their essential needs in a single stop. The store offers daily discounted deals on groceries, home goods, fashion clothing, and electronics through one platform. Today, Walmart is a global retail mart serving millions of customers across the United States through both physical stores and online services.
Does Walmart Accept WIC?
The answer is ‘yes’. Out of more than 5000 Walmart stores across the United States, almost all locations accept WIC benefits. According to Walmart’s official website, the company officially participates in the WIC program at nearly every Walmart store, including Walmart Neighborhood Markets and stores in Puerto Rico. However, there may be a few locations that have restrictions on WIC benefits or specific requirements for participation. This usually happens when a store is unable to meet certain WIC eligibility standards set by the state.
Does California Walmart Store Accept WIC?
Yes, Walmart stores in California do accept WIC benefits under certain provisions. Although WIC is accepted at most Walmart locations across the state, some stores may still have restrictions or may not yet participate in the program. Therefore, before shopping at any Walmart store, it is recommended to call the store helpline or confirm in advance to avoid any confusion or embarrassment at checkout.
Can You use WIC on Walmart Online?
WIC benefits are generally accepted at Walmart stores across the United States; however, only a few states currently allow the use of WIC for Walmart online shopping. At present, Washington and Massachusetts are fortunate to offer WIC-approved online purchasing through Walmart. WIC participants are issued a card that can be used to purchase eligible food items. The delivery address or pickup location must be within the same state or territory where the WIC benefits were issued in order to use them successfully.
What Can You Buy from Walmart Store with WIC?
There are multiple food items approved by WIC, allowing families to receive essential nutritional benefits for mothers and children. Walmart, one of the largest global retail chains across the United States, is authorized to stock and sell these WIC-approved food items so participants can easily purchase them using WIC benefits cards. Some of the listed items below may help you while shopping at Walmart stores:
Infant formula that are brand and size approved
Baby food that includes fruit and vegetable purees
Dairy products such as different kind of milk, cheese and yogurt
Breads include, whole grain, tortilla and rice
Peanut butter, beans and legumes
Breakfast items such as eggs and cereals
Note:
Non-foods items, unhealthy sugary products (such as snacks and sodas), hot or cooked foods and household items are not allowed or covered under WIC card purchasing at any Walmart store.
WIC Scanner Tips at Walmart:
The WIC app is designed for the convenience of participants and helps make shopping easier and more reliable. By using the app, you can scan food items to check their eligibility. A green sign indicates that the product is WIC-approved, while an orange sign shows that the item is not authorized under WIC. Checking the approved food list and your remaining balance on the app before visiting the store can help ensure that you are able to purchase all eligible items without any issues.
In Walmart stores, shelves are often marked with WIC labels to help identify approved products. These shelves usually display a black box with a white “W”, indicating WIC-approved items. While shopping, scan price labels, select your products carefully, and separate WIC-approved items from non-approved items before reaching the checkout counter, as this helps make the payment process smoother. If you are using a cashier lane or self-checkout counter, it is recommended to inform the cashier that you are using a WIC benefits card. For online ordering (in eligible states), your WIC card must be added to the Walmart Wallet app before placing an order. https://www.walmart.com/wic.
Final Thoughts:
Walmart is indeed a global retail chain in the United States and a lifesaver for families who would otherwise need to visit multiple stores to complete their shopping lists. Although Walmart accepts WIC benefits at most locations, some stores may have restrictions, along with certain limitations and exceptions for shoppers. WIC participants should be aware of approved items and understand that non-WIC products cannot be purchased using an eWIC card or through online shopping. These items must be paid for using another payment method, such as SNAP/EBT, debit or cash. For online purchases in eligible states, it is important to ensure that your delivery address and personal information are correct to avoid any issues during checkout.
FAQS:
- Can I use my WIC card at Walmart self-checkout?
- Sometimes shoppers may experience issues when using WIC benefits at Walmart self-checkout lanes. To avoid these problems, it is best to use a staffed cashier lane or inform the cashier in advance that you will be paying with a WIC benefits card.
- How do I know which items are WIC-approved at Walmart?
- You can search for WIC-approved items by checking shelf labels marked with WIC signs or by using your state WIC mobile app. The app allows you to scan products and shows whether an item is approved or not.
- Can I check my WIC balance before shopping at Walmart?
- If you are planning to shop at Walmart and are unsure about your remaining WIC balance, you can use your state WIC app or contact your local WIC office for assistance. Checking your balance beforehand helps reduce confusion and ensure a smoother checkout experience.




