Understanding How Nutrition Diet Programs Connect: Does Target Accept WIC?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is on the rise, with nearly 6.9 million people enrolled as of May 2025. For these families, a crucial question is, 'Does Target to WIC?' and if so, how can they use their benefits at this major retailer.

Quick Summary

Target's participation in the WIC program varies by location due to specific rules and stocking requirements. Shoppers can use their eWIC cards in participating stores, including at self-checkout, for approved food items only. It is essential to verify a specific store's policy through the state WIC website or a direct call before shopping.

Key Points

Check Local Participation: WIC acceptance at Target depends on the specific store, so always confirm with your state WIC website or by calling the store directly.
Use eWIC at Checkout: You can use your eWIC card for approved items at both traditional and self-checkout lanes in participating Target stores.
Know Your Approved Foods: WIC benefits only cover a specific list of nutritious items, such as milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula, not general grocery products.
No Non-Food Items: WIC cannot be used to purchase non-food items like diapers or household supplies, nor can it cover delivery or shipping fees.
Use the Target App for Convenience: You can add your eWIC card to the Target app to streamline your checkout process.
Follow State-Specific Rules: Product brand, size, and quantity limitations vary by state, so refer to your local WIC food guide before shopping.

Navigating WIC Benefits at Target

For many families, accessing healthy, affordable food is a significant part of managing a household budget. The WIC program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy foods to low-income women, infants, and children. The convenience of a store like Target can be a major factor for WIC participants, but the answer to 'Does Target accept WIC?' is not a simple yes or no. The reality is that participation depends on the specific store location, with factors like size and inventory playing a role in vendor approval.

How to Confirm WIC Acceptance at Your Local Target

Before heading to the store, it's crucial to confirm if your local Target is a WIC-approved vendor. Here are the best ways to check:

Use the State WIC Website: Your state's WIC program website typically provides a list of all approved retailers. This is the most reliable method for finding an accurate, up-to-date vendor list for your area.
Call the Specific Store: If you cannot find a definitive list online, call your local Target store directly and ask to speak with a guest services representative.
Look for Signage: Some stores will post signs at the entrance or checkout lanes indicating their participation in the WIC program.

How to Use eWIC at Target

Once you have confirmed that your local Target accepts WIC, using your eWIC card is a straightforward process. The electronic benefit card functions similarly to a debit card, but with some specific guidelines.

At Checkout: When you get to the register, inform the cashier you are using WIC. The items approved by your benefits will be rung up and totaled separately. You must swipe your eWIC card and enter your PIN to complete this part of the transaction.
Self-Checkout: As of late 2024, Target stores began allowing eWIC transactions at self-checkout kiosks. Shoppers can now scan their own approved items, use their eWIC card, and then pay for any remaining non-WIC items with a different payment method.
Using the Target App: Shoppers can add their eWIC card to the Target app, just like adding a regular EBT card. This facilitates faster in-store checkout.

WIC-Approved Items at Target

The foods you can purchase with WIC are specific and are designed to provide essential nutrients for program participants. Your state's WIC food guide will have the most detailed information, but general categories include:

Infant Formula and Baby Food: Specific brands and sizes of infant formula and jarred baby food are covered.
Fruits and Vegetables: WIC typically covers fresh fruits and vegetables. Some states may allow frozen, canned, or dried options.
Milk and Alternatives: This includes milk, cheese, and yogurt, and in some cases, lactose-free milk or dairy-free alternatives.
Whole Grains: Eligible items include whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat tortillas, and certain cereals.
Protein Sources: This covers specific types of peanut butter, canned fish (like tuna or salmon), and tofu.

What to Know About WIC at Target


Do's	Don'ts
Do check your state's WIC-approved food list for specific brands, sizes, and quantities.	Don't assume a food is covered just because it's in a qualifying category.
Do use your eWIC card for approved food items at regular or self-checkout.	Don't expect to buy non-food items like diapers, paper goods, or household cleaners with your WIC benefits.
Do add your eWIC card to the Target app for more convenient checkout.	Don't use your WIC benefits for delivery or shipping fees on online orders.
Do separate your WIC items from non-WIC items to make the checkout process smoother.	Don't expect your WIC card to cover products outside of the specific list provided by your state.
Do look for special tags on shelves that indicate WIC-eligible items in some stores.	Don't worry if you forget your PIN—your card will automatically unlock at midnight after being locked.

Tips for an Efficient WIC Shopping Trip

To make your Target trip as smooth as possible, consider these pointers:

Check Your Balance: Know your WIC balance and what specific items you have available before you shop. Your state's WIC website or mobile app can help with this.
Create a List: Write a shopping list based on your WIC balance and the specific types of foods covered. This prevents confusion at the register.
Pay Attention to Size and Type: WIC benefits are often very specific about product size, flavor, and type. For instance, a certain brand of cereal might be approved, but only in a specific size box and plain flavor.
Separate Your Groceries: Grouping your WIC-eligible foods together can help the cashier scan them quickly and ensure your transaction goes smoothly. Have another payment method ready for non-WIC items.

Conclusion

The answer to the question, 'Does Target to WIC?' is that many locations do, but you must confirm local participation. For those eligible for WIC benefits, Target can be a great option for purchasing nutritious foods for their families. By checking your local store's status, understanding the approved product list, and following proper checkout procedures, you can effectively use your WIC benefits for your household's nutritional diet needs. Remember to always consult your state WIC guide and call ahead to ensure a seamless shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, WIC participation varies by location. You must check with your state's WIC program or call your local Target to confirm if they accept WIC benefits.

You can add your eWIC card to the Target app to pay for in-store purchases. However, WIC benefits cannot be used for online delivery or shipping fees.

Yes, many Target stores now allow eWIC card use at self-checkout kiosks, alongside other retailers like Walmart.

Your state's WIC agency provides a specific list of approved foods, brands, and sizes. In some stores, shelves may be tagged to indicate WIC-eligible items.

The checkout system will indicate which items are not covered. You must either put those items back or use another payment method to purchase them.

No, WIC benefits are strictly for approved food items and do not cover non-food products like diapers at Target or any other store.

It's best practice to separate your items to help the cashier process the WIC transaction smoothly. Your WIC-approved items must be run separately from any other purchases.