Can I use my WIC for grocery pickup? Navigating online options

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

In recent years, the USDA has actively worked with state agencies and retailers to expand online grocery shopping options for WIC participants, improving access to healthy foods. This means the answer to 'Can I use my WIC for grocery pickup?' is increasingly yes, but it varies significantly depending on your state and specific store.

Quick Summary

Using WIC benefits for grocery pickup is possible, but availability depends on your state's WIC agency and participating retailers. The process and online payment options vary by location.

Key Points

State-Dependent Availability: Whether you can I use my WIC for grocery pickup depends entirely on your specific state's WIC agency and local participating retailers.
Online Payments Are Increasing: While full online payment with eWIC was once impossible, pilot programs and new systems are making it an option in some areas, though many still require an in-person payment at pickup.
Verify Before Ordering: Always check your state's WIC website or use the WICShopper app to confirm which retailers offer online ordering and which specific products are approved.
Watch for Substitutions: To avoid issues at pickup, specify 'no substitutions' for your WIC-eligible items, as replacements may not be WIC-approved.
The Process Differs from SNAP: WIC's 'prescription-based' system makes online ordering more complex than SNAP's dollar-based system, requiring specific item and quantity validation.
Check for Pilot Program Retailers: Look for retailers participating in pilot programs, such as Walmart in states like Massachusetts and Washington, which have already implemented WIC online shopping with pickup.

The Evolving Landscape of WIC and Online Shopping

Historically, using WIC benefits for anything but an in-store transaction was not possible due to federal regulations that required a cashier-present transaction. However, this is changing rapidly. The USDA and various state agencies have been working on pilot programs to modernize the WIC shopping experience, especially in light of increased demand for online services. This shift aims to remove barriers for participants, such as transportation issues, time constraints, or mobility limitations, which can hinder access to nutritious foods.

The Expansion of Online WIC Benefits

Over the last few years, numerous pilot projects have demonstrated the viability of WIC online ordering with pickup and delivery options. For example, in early 2025, Walmart launched WIC online shopping with in-store pickup and delivery in several states, including Massachusetts and Washington. These pilots, often called 'Click and Collect' models, have paved the way for broader adoption. A primary hurdle has been the technical complexity of the WIC program, which, unlike SNAP's dollar-based benefits, is a 'prescription-based' system requiring the tracking of specific food items and quantities. Developing online platforms that can accurately process these unique transactions has been a significant challenge for retailers.

How to Determine If You Can I Use My WIC for Grocery Pickup?

Because the availability of online WIC services is determined by state WIC agencies, the first and most crucial step is to check what is offered in your specific area. A general rule is that you should never assume a store's online system accepts WIC without verifying. Here is how to find the most accurate information:

Check with Your State's WIC Agency: Every state has a different timeline and process for implementing WIC online services. Visit your state WIC agency's website for official updates. Many states provide a list of retailers authorized for online ordering and pickup.
Use a WIC App: Apps like WICShopper allow you to scan items in-store to check eligibility and can also provide information on participating stores in your area. Some state-specific apps may offer more localized information on online options.
Contact Your WIC Office: Your local WIC clinic can provide the most current information regarding retailers and the procedures for online ordering and pickup in your community.

A Step-by-Step Guide to WIC Grocery Pickup

For participants in an area where WIC grocery pickup is available, the process typically involves several key steps. It's important to be prepared, as the system differs from a standard credit card transaction.

Find a Participating Retailer: Use your state's WIC resources to locate an authorized store that offers online ordering with a pickup option.
Build Your Online Cart: Shop the retailer's website or app. Be sure to select only WIC-approved items, as the system will likely not allow non-WIC foods to be included in the WIC transaction.
Initiate Payment at Pickup: In most cases, the full payment transaction is not completed online. Instead, you will pay using your eWIC card at the time you pick up your groceries, often via a portable card reader brought to your vehicle. The online order simply helps assemble your groceries.
Separate Non-WIC Items: If your order contains items not covered by WIC, you will need to pay for them separately using an alternative method, such as a credit/debit card or SNAP benefits.

Comparison of WIC vs. SNAP Online Ordering

While both programs assist with food purchases, the technical and procedural differences between WIC and SNAP have led to different timelines for online ordering capabilities.


Feature	WIC Online Ordering (Pickup)	SNAP Online Ordering (Pickup)
Benefit Type	Prescription-based (specific items and quantities)	Dollar-based (total dollar amount)
Online Transaction	Still in pilot phases; becoming available in some states	Widely implemented and available in most states
Item Validation	More complex; requires verifying specific brands, sizes, and quantities	Simpler; system checks for eligible food categories
Availability	Dependent on state and retailer participation	Much broader availability nationwide
Payment	Often completed in-person at pickup, but fully online options are growing	Typically a full online transaction is supported

Challenges and Best Practices

Using WIC for online grocery pickup can offer convenience, but it also presents unique challenges. Substitutions can be a major issue, as a retailer's online platform may automatically substitute a non-WIC-approved item if the original is out of stock. To prevent this, always specify 'no substitutions' for WIC-eligible items. It's also vital to track your remaining benefits, which can be done through apps, receipts, or the ebtEDGE website. Following best practices will help ensure a smooth experience and prevent issues at pickup.

Additional Tips for WIC Pickup

Verify Item Codes: The WICShopper app is an excellent tool to double-check if an item is WIC-approved before you finalize your order.
Know Your Plan: Familiarize yourself with your specific WIC food package before ordering to avoid accidentally adding ineligible items.
Communicate Clearly: At pickup, explicitly state that you are using your eWIC card. If the process is new to the retailer's staff, be patient and explain the required procedure.

Conclusion

While the journey to universally available WIC online ordering with grocery pickup is ongoing, significant progress has been made. The question 'Can I use my WIC for grocery pickup?' no longer has a simple 'no' as an answer. Instead, it has evolved into a state-by-state, store-by-store reality. By staying informed through official state WIC channels and using modern resources like mobile apps, WIC participants can increasingly access the convenience of online ordering and pickup to support their nutritional needs. This expansion is a positive step towards ensuring equitable access to healthy, essential foods for all eligible families.

External Resource

For more information on the national effort to expand online WIC options, you can visit WICShop+ on the Center for Nutrition & Health Impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

To find out if your local store accepts WIC for pickup, you should first check your state WIC agency's website for a list of participating retailers. Additionally, you can call your local WIC office or the grocery store directly. Some state WIC programs also list online retailers in their app, such as the WICShopper app.

No, the WIC online ordering process is different from using EBT for SNAP. While SNAP is a dollar-based program, WIC is a prescription-based program, which requires the system to validate very specific items and quantities. This added complexity means WIC online and pickup options are still less widespread than SNAP's.

This depends on your state and the specific retailer. While some pilot programs now support full online transactions, many still require you to use your eWIC card on a portable device at the time of pickup. Always check with your state agency or the retailer for the payment procedure.

If a WIC-approved item is out of stock, the store's system may suggest a substitute. However, it's critical to confirm that the substitution is also WIC-approved, as this is not always the case. To avoid this issue entirely, it is often best to specify 'no substitutions' for WIC items in your online order.

For most WIC pickup orders, you do not have to go inside the store. The transaction is typically completed curbside with a portable card reader brought to your car by a store employee, who will swipe your eWIC card.

If your order includes both WIC and non-WIC items, you will need to pay for them separately. The retailer's system will guide you through this process, typically processing the eWIC transaction first for the approved items, and then allowing you to pay for the rest with another payment method.

To track your remaining WIC benefits, you can use the WICShopper app, check your receipt from your last purchase, or visit the ebtEDGE website. This helps ensure you stay within your monthly food package limits and avoid any surprises at pickup.