The Current Landscape of WIC and Online Delivery
For many years, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has required participants to shop in person at an authorized grocery store. This system has presented significant challenges, including lack of transportation, mobility issues, and difficulty managing time, especially for new parents. While many major third-party delivery apps have expanded to accept SNAP EBT benefits, they have not done the same for WIC. This is because the technology and legal agreements required to process WIC benefits online are different and have historically been more complex.
However, this is changing, albeit slowly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively working to modernize the WIC program and has funded pilot programs in various states to test online ordering and delivery. These pilots typically involve partnerships between state WIC agencies and specific authorized retailers, rather than integration with third-party apps like Instacart or Shipt. Therefore, finding out which delivery app takes WIC is less about a specific third-party platform and more about which WIC-authorized retailers in your area are participating in an online ordering pilot program.
Pilot Programs and Participating Retailers
Several retailers are partnering with state WIC agencies to offer online ordering and delivery options. These are not universal, so availability is dependent on your state of residence and proximity to a participating store.
Walmart's WIC Online Ordering Pilot
Walmart is a key participant in the USDA's WIC online ordering pilot program. As of mid-2025, Walmart has launched WIC online shopping for pickup and delivery in select states:
- Massachusetts: WIC participants can order WIC-approved items online at Walmart.com/wic or through the Walmart app for pickup or delivery from 48 participating stores.
- Washington State: Similarly, WIC participants in Washington can place online orders from 67 Walmart stores.
Other Retailers in the Pilot Program
Beyond Walmart, other retailers are also involved in the USDA pilot:
- Hy-Vee: This grocery chain participates in the pilot program for WIC participants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
- Buche Foods: This Midwest retailer is also part of the WIC online ordering pilot.
- ShopRite: In some locations, such as those participating in Connecticut's pilot, ShopRite offers online ordering with the option to pay at the store with your eWIC card during pickup.
How WIC Online Ordering Works
For states participating in a pilot program, the process for online ordering with WIC is distinct from other payment methods. Here’s a general guide to how it works:
- Check your state's WIC program: Use resources like the
WICShop+platform or your state's WIC agency website to see if online ordering is available in your area. - Find authorized online retailers: Not all WIC-authorized stores offer online shopping. Once you know your state is participating, find the specific retailers that allow online orders for WIC.
- Place your order online: Use the retailer's specific app or website (e.g., Walmart.com/wic) to browse and select WIC-eligible foods. The
WICShopperapp can help identify WIC-approved items. - Proceed to checkout: At checkout, the process will vary. Some pilots allow for online payment, while others require you to pay at the store upon pickup.
- Pay for non-WIC items: Any items in your cart not covered by WIC will require a separate form of payment.
- Confirm and receive your order: You will receive notifications about your order status, with delivery or pickup occurring at the selected time.
Comparison Table: WIC vs. SNAP Online Ordering
| Feature | WIC Online Ordering | SNAP Online Purchasing |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Adoption | Still in pilot phase; limited retailers. | Widespread acceptance across many major retailers and apps. |
| State Availability | Varies significantly by state, tied to specific pilot programs. | Widely available in most states under the USDA's pilot and expansion. |
| Payment Method | Handled through specific retailers' websites/apps; may require in-person payment. | Integrated directly into retailer apps/websites for online payment. |
| Participating Platforms | Primarily direct retailer platforms (e.g., Walmart.com/wic, Hy-Vee's service). | Major delivery apps like Instacart and Shipt accept SNAP EBT. |
| Benefit Tracking | State WIC apps like WICShopper help track benefits, but don't process online payment. |
Integrated within the online retailer's checkout process. |
What to Do if Online Ordering Isn't Available in Your Area
If your state is not yet part of a WIC online ordering pilot, you will need to continue shopping in person at authorized stores. The WICShopper app can still be a valuable tool for finding approved items, checking benefit balances, and using the barcode scanner in-store. In-store shopping also has advantages, such as allowing for greater control over substitutions and ensuring you get the exact WIC-approved items you need. Remember, you should always carry your physical WIC card for in-person transactions.
Conclusion
While the answer to "which delivery app takes WIC?" is not a simple one, progress is being made. Major delivery platforms like Instacart and Shipt do not yet accept WIC benefits, but state-specific pilot programs with retailers like Walmart and Hy-Vee are beginning to offer online ordering and delivery. For WIC participants seeking delivery, the best course of action is to check the official resources from your state's WIC agency or the USDA-backed WICShop+ platform to see which specific retailers offer online ordering in your area. This modern approach, though limited, represents a significant step forward in improving access to nutritious food for families on WIC.
For the latest information on online WIC shopping, visit WICShop+ for participants.
