Can I use WIC at Kroger? A Guide to Shopping with Nutrition Benefits

November 3, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Food Research and Action Center, the WIC program served an average of 6.25 million participants per month during the early years of the pandemic. For participants seeking where to shop, the question, 'Can I use WIC at Kroger?' is a key concern. The answer is yes; Kroger is an authorized WIC vendor for in-store purchases, and understanding the process can simplify your shopping experience.

Quick Summary

Kroger stores accept WIC benefits for in-store purchases of eligible, nutritious foods like milk, eggs, and produce. Shoppers must use their WIC EBT card at checkout to pay for approved items, but WIC cannot be used for online pickup or delivery orders. WIC participants can also combine benefits with certain Kroger savings programs.

Key Points

Yes, Kroger accepts WIC for in-store shopping. WIC benefits can be used to purchase approved food items when you shop in person.
WIC does not work for Kroger online orders. Unlike SNAP, WIC benefits cannot be used for online pickup or delivery purchases at Kroger.
WIC covers specific, nutritious foods. Common approved items include milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, beans, and fruits and vegetables.
State regulations dictate approved foods. The exact brands, sizes, and quantities covered by WIC can vary depending on your state's program.
Use the WIC EBT card at checkout. You can pay for WIC-approved items by swiping or inserting your EBT card. It's often recommended to process this transaction separately.
Maximize savings with Kroger programs. WIC participants can enroll in Kroger's Verified Savings program for extra discounts and use digital coupons on non-WIC purchases.
Check your benefits via a state app. Many states offer a WIC app, such as WICShopper, that helps you check your balance and scan product barcodes for eligibility.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is designed to provide specific nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five. Kroger, a major national grocery retailer, partners with state WIC programs to make this nutritional support accessible to families. While the core program is federal, the exact list of approved foods and redemption rules can vary by state, so it's important to understand the general guidelines and check your specific state's list.

How to Use Your WIC Card at Kroger

Using your WIC EBT card at Kroger is a straightforward process, though it has some key differences from a standard transaction. Electronic benefit cards, which replaced paper vouchers, have made the process more discreet and efficient.

Before you shop:

Know your benefits: Check your WIC account using your state's WIC app (many partner with WICShopper) to see your current benefit balance and what food items you can purchase. This prevents confusion at the register.
Check your list: The types, brands, and sizes of foods approved by WIC are specific and can change. Always refer to your official state-approved food list for the most accurate information.

During your shopping trip:

Find approved items: Look for shelf tags indicating WIC-approved items, as some Kroger locations use them to help shoppers identify eligible products. If in doubt, use your WIC app's product scanner.
Separate non-WIC items: At checkout, it's best practice to separate your WIC-approved items from your non-WIC items. While some modern systems can handle mixed transactions, running your WIC card first for eligible items is the safest approach to ensure a smooth checkout.

At the register:

Scan your WIC card first: Tell the cashier you are using WIC and insert or swipe your EBT card. The system will automatically deduct the cost of eligible items from your benefits.
Pay for the rest: Once the WIC transaction is complete, you can pay for any remaining non-WIC items with cash, a credit/debit card, or SNAP benefits.

WIC-Approved Food Categories at Kroger

While specific products vary by state, the WIC program generally covers certain food categories to ensure a nutritious diet. A trip to Kroger will typically allow you to purchase items from the following categories:

Dairy Products: Low-fat or whole milk, cheese, and yogurt are staples. Some programs may also cover specific brands of lactose-free milk.
Fruits and Vegetables: WIC provides a cash value benefit for purchasing fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. This offers a wide variety of nutritious options.
Infant Formula and Foods: WIC is a primary provider of infant formula and baby food. The specific brand and type of formula covered are typically determined by state contracts.
Whole Grains: This includes 100% whole wheat bread, approved cereals, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta.
Protein Sources: Beans (canned or dry), peanut butter, and occasionally fish, are covered by WIC.

WIC vs. SNAP Shopping at Kroger: A Comparison


Feature	WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)	SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Accepted Items	Only covers a specific list of nutritious, WIC-approved foods, brands, and sizes.	Covers a wider range of food items, including most groceries, but excludes things like alcohol and hot foods.
Accepted Locations	Accepted for in-store purchases at authorized vendors like Kroger.	Accepted for in-store purchases, and for both pickup and delivery orders at Kroger.
Online Shopping	Not accepted for Kroger pickup or delivery orders.	Accepted for Kroger pickup and delivery orders.
Benefit Card	Uses an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card specifically for WIC benefits.	Uses an EBT card for SNAP benefits.
Benefit Allocation	Benefits are provided for specific food items and are often allocated for specific quantities or maximum cash value benefits (like for fruits and veggies).	Benefits are provided as a lump-sum monthly amount that can be spent on eligible food items.

Maximizing Your Savings at Kroger with WIC

For WIC participants, it's possible to combine your benefits with Kroger's other savings opportunities to stretch your budget even further. Here are a few ways to do it:

Utilize the Kroger App: Check for digital coupons and weekly sales. While WIC may not cover certain promotions, you can use these savings on non-WIC items to reduce your overall grocery bill.
Sign Up for Verified Savings: Kroger offers a Verified Savings program that provides additional discounts to shoppers enrolled in government assistance programs, including WIC. After a quick verification process, you may receive exclusive offers to help you save on purchases that aren't covered by WIC.
Meal Plan Strategically: Build your weekly meals around WIC-approved staples like beans, whole grains, and seasonal produce. Then, use any extra budget for additional ingredients or household needs.

Important Considerations for WIC Shoppers

To avoid any surprises at the checkout, keep these key points in mind:

Check State Variations: The brands, sizes, and specific types of foods approved by WIC can differ significantly from state to state. Your local WIC clinic's app or website is the most reliable resource for your approved food list.
Understand Online Order Limitations: It is important to remember that as of now, Kroger does not accept WIC for online orders, including pickup and delivery services. You must make your WIC purchases in-store.
Know Your Balance: Regularly checking your WIC EBT balance through your state's WIC app or by reviewing your last receipt can help you budget effectively and avoid purchasing more than your benefits allow.
Don't Forget Nutrition Education: WIC offers more than just food benefits. Take advantage of the nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals that are part of the program.

Conclusion

In short, can I use WIC at Kroger? Yes, you absolutely can for in-store purchases. By understanding the process, knowing your state's approved food list, and taking advantage of additional savings programs, you can make your grocery trips efficient and budget-friendly. While online ordering with WIC is not available at Kroger, the extensive in-store selection and commitment to providing healthy food options make it a top choice for many WIC families.

For more information on the WIC program, visit the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Kroger currently does not accept WIC benefits for online orders, including grocery pickup and delivery services. All WIC purchases must be made in-store at the register.

You can check your state's WIC-approved food list via your local WIC agency's website or app. Some Kroger stores also place special tags on shelves to help identify WIC-eligible products. It's a good practice to use your WIC app's product scanner to verify eligibility.

Yes, you can use your Kroger loyalty card and redeem coupons during the same shopping trip. However, coupons will only apply to non-WIC items, and your WIC benefits will cover the cost of approved products first. Some WIC participants may also qualify for extra savings through Kroger's Verified Savings program.

No, WIC shoppers can use any regular checkout lane. However, it is often easier to separate WIC-eligible items from other groceries to ensure a smooth transaction. You should always process the WIC EBT card first for the approved items.

If you try to pay for a non-eligible item with your WIC EBT card, the transaction will be declined for that item. The system will only cover the WIC-approved items in your purchase. You will need to use a different payment method for the rest of your items.

Separating your WIC items is highly recommended for a faster checkout process, though not strictly required in all cases. By separating your purchases, you can easily guide the cashier to process your WIC benefits first, avoiding confusion.

Yes, WIC provides infant formula to eligible participants, and you can redeem these benefits at Kroger. The specific formula brands and types are determined by your state's WIC program.