For millions of low-income Americans, government nutrition assistance programs like SNAP (EBT) and WIC provide crucial support in affording healthy food for their families. But navigating where and how to use those benefits can sometimes be a challenge, especially for busy parents and seniors.
That‘s where this ultimate guide comes in. We‘ve done the research to bring you the most up-to-date, comprehensive information on using your EBT and WIC benefits at Walgreens, one of the nation‘s largest drugstore chains. With over 9,000 locations nationwide, Walgreens is a convenient neighborhood option for quick grocery trips and pharmacy needs.
But how exactly does Walgreens handle EBT and WIC payments? What can you buy there with your benefits, and what should you skip? And how can you stretch your assistance dollars further with some savvy shopping strategies? We‘ll cover all that and more, with an eye towards helping you make the most informed decisions for your household.
Understanding EBT, WIC and SNAP: The Basics
Before we dive into the specifics of shopping at Walgreens, let‘s define some key terms:
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SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP is a federal program that provides low-income individuals and families with funds to purchase groceries. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card monthly.
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EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer): EBT cards, which look and work just like a debit card, are how SNAP recipients access their benefits digitally. Some states use their own names for EBT cards, like California‘s Golden State Advantage card.
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WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children): WIC is a federal program that provides assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five who are considered at nutritional risk. WIC benefits can be used for specific food items like infant formula, milk and bread.
According to the most recent USDA data, over 41.5 million Americans participated in SNAP in 2021, with an average monthly benefit of $218 per person. For WIC, 6.2 million Americans utilized the program each month in 2020, including 43% of the country‘s infants.
While federally funded, both SNAP and WIC are administered at the state level, meaning eligibility rules and retailer agreements can vary across the country. This will come into play when discussing Walgreens‘ participation in each program.
Does Walgreens Accept SNAP EBT?
Let‘s tackle the question most EBT recipients are wondering: Can I use my benefits to purchase groceries at Walgreens? The short answer is yes, you can, at most locations.
Walgreens is authorized by the USDA as a SNAP retailer, so the vast majority of its stores are equipped to handle EBT payments for eligible food items. Rachel Bishop, a Walgreens spokesperson, confirms that approximately 8,000 of the company‘s 9,000+ locations accept EBT as of 2021.
That makes Walgreens a solid option for quick grocery trips, especially if you live in an urban area or small town where the chain might be your closest option. College students receiving SNAP may also appreciate being able to use their benefits at the Walgreens near campus.
However, it‘s a good idea to check with your local store to confirm they take EBT, as a small percentage may not have gone through the authorization process. When in doubt, you can always call ahead or ask at the register before loading up your basket.
What About WIC at Walgreens?
While Walgreens‘ SNAP acceptance is fairly consistent, their participation in WIC programs is a bit more complicated. On their website, Walgreens states:
"Walgreens is not a contracted WIC vendor in all states, therefore participation may vary. If a Walgreens store is not a WIC-authorized vendor, Walgreens will not be able to process WIC purchases at that location."
Translation? Just because a Walgreens takes EBT doesn‘t necessarily mean they take WIC. It all depends on their vendor contract with each state‘s WIC program. Unfortunately, Walgreens‘ website does not provide a comprehensive list of WIC-approved locations.
Your best bet is to call your neighborhood Walgreens directly and ask the manager if they are a WIC vendor. You can also check with your state‘s WIC agency, which keeps a list of authorized retailers.
For example, in Massachusetts, only 25 Walgreens locations are authorized WIC vendors, mostly concentrated around Boston. Meanwhile, in states like Florida and Texas, WIC is accepted at most Walgreens pharmacies. The moral of the story: Always verify before you shop.
Using Your EBT Card at Walgreens: Step by Step
If your local Walgreens does accept EBT, the process for paying with your benefits card is quite simple. Here‘s how it works:
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Separate eligible items: When shopping, it helps to keep your EBT-eligible items (more on that below) separated from the rest of your purchases. This will make the checkout process smoother.
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Swipe your EBT card: After the cashier rings you up, swipe your EBT card in the payment terminal just like you would a debit or credit card. Some stores may have a designated lane for EBT payments.
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Enter your PIN: Input your secret four-digit PIN, which is the same one you use at ATMs and to check your balance.
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Confirm the amount: The register will show the total for your EBT-eligible items. Confirm this matches what you expected to spend before completing the transaction.
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Use another payment method if needed: If you have items that don‘t qualify for EBT or your balance won‘t cover the whole purchase, the cashier will prompt you for a secondary form of payment like cash or a regular debit card.
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Keep your receipt: Walgreens‘ system automatically deducts the EBT purchase amount from your balance. Your remaining funds will be printed at the bottom of your receipt, so hang onto it!
The whole process is quick and discreet, no different than using any other payment method. If you have any trouble, don‘t hesitate to ask the cashier or manager for assistance. Walgreens employees should be trained to handle EBT transactions.
Shopping Smart: What Can You Buy with EBT at Walgreens?
Now that you know how to use your EBT card at Walgreens, what exactly can you purchase with it? SNAP benefits are meant to be spent only on foods intended to be prepared and consumed at home.
According to the USDA, this includes:
- Produce (fresh, frozen or canned fruits and veggies)
- Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and tofu
- Breads, cereals, pasta and other grain products
- Dairy like milk, yogurt and cheese
- Snack foods like chips, nuts, crackers and granola bars
- Coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that will produce food (like tomato seeds or a basil plant)
A few things to note: Walgreens is a drugstore first and foremost, so its grocery selection may not be as robust as your local supermarket. You likely won‘t find fresh produce or meats there, but you can stock up on pantry staples, snacks, cereal, canned goods and beverages.
Some of the most popular EBT-eligible items at Walgreens include:
- Nice! brand groceries (Walgreens‘ private label)
- Ramen noodles and instant soup
- Candy, cookies and ice cream
- Soda, juice and energy drinks
- Dry goods like flour, sugar and spices
- Infant formula and baby food
- Frozen meals, pizza and ice cream
When in doubt, you can always check if an item qualifies before adding it to your cart by looking for the EBT label on the shelf tag or asking an employee.
What‘s Off Limits? Walgreens Items You CANNOT Buy with EBT
On the flip side, quite a few things sold at Walgreens are NOT eligible for EBT purchases, even if they are edible. The USDA does not allow SNAP funds to be spent on:
- Beer, wine, liquor or tobacco products
- Vitamins, supplements and medicines (including prescriptions)
- Non-food items like paper goods, cleaning supplies, hygiene products or cosmetics
- Hot, prepared foods like pizza slices, sandwiches or soup from the deli
- Pet food or live animals
- Household supplies like cookware and appliances
Notably, you also cannot buy food intended to be eaten in-store, even if it‘s not hot. So that tuna sandwich in the refrigerated section or granola bar from the checkout lane is off-limits if you plan to snack on it before leaving Walgreens.
EBT also cannot be used for delivery fees or tips if you use a service like Instacart for Walgreens grocery delivery. You‘ll need an alternate payment method to cover those charges.
Maximizing EBT and WIC at Walgreens: Expert Tips
As any savvy shopper knows, getting the most bang for your buck often requires a bit of strategy, especially when working with a tight food budget. Here are some expert tips for stretching your EBT and WIC dollars further at Walgreens:
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Watch for sales and clip coupons: Each week, Walgreens publishes a new sales ad with deals on popular items like snacks, cereal and canned goods. You can find it in the Sunday newspaper or on their app. Combine sale prices with manufacturer‘s coupons to score some great deals on EBT-approved items. Don‘t forget to scan your myWalgreens rewards card at checkout for extra points!
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Take advantage of " Register Rewards": When you buy certain tagged items at Walgreens, you‘ll earn a special coupon called a Register Reward to use on your next purchase. These print at the bottom of your receipt and can be redeemed on anything in the store, including EBT-eligible groceries. Essentially, it‘s free money!
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Look for clearance tags: Walgreens routinely marks down seasonal items like holiday candy, baking supplies and summer snacks to 50% off or more. Most of these clearance goodies are EBT-approved, so it‘s a great opportunity to treat your family while staying under budget.
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Compare unit prices: Those shelf tags at Walgreens contain more than just the sticker price. Look for the small print that lists the unit price, or cost per ounce/pound, to determine the best deal. Bigger isn‘t always cheaper! You may get a lower unit price on the smaller package.
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Opt for store brands: Walgreens‘ private label groceries, under the "Nice!" banner, are often much cheaper than their name-brand equivalents without sacrificing quality. Swapping store-brand crackers, soup or cereal for the pricier versions is an easy way to save on staples.
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Know your benefits balance: Before heading to Walgreens, check your EBT balance online or by calling the number on the back of your card. That way, you‘ll know exactly how much you have to work with and can plan your shopping trip accordingly. Nothing is more stressful than getting to the register and realizing you don‘t have enough funds!
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Use SNAP and WIC together: If you qualify for both EBT and WIC, you can use them in combination to get the most food for your family. For example, you could use WIC to get your infant formula and milk, then use SNAP for other groceries like cereal, pasta, rice and beans. Just be sure to separate WIC items at the register, as they often need to be rung up first.
Expert Insight: How Walgreens‘ Focus on Fresh Improves Access for EBT Users
Over the past few years, Walgreens has been making a concerted effort to expand its fresh food offerings as part of its "Walgreens Fresh" initiative. The company has added more refrigerated and frozen foods to its inventory, as well as enhancing produce sections in select stores.
I asked Donna Stidham, a registered dietician and nutritionist who writes about healthy eating on a budget, to weigh in on what this means for EBT shoppers. Here‘s what she had to say:
"Walgreens‘ move toward expanding their grocery options is a step in the right direction, especially for the chain‘s many low-income shoppers. For folks who rely on SNAP benefits and may not live near a traditional grocery store, being able to access a wider variety of foods at their neighborhood Walgreens could make a huge difference in their ability to feed their families nutritious meals."
"I would love to see Walgreens take it even further by sourcing more locally-grown produce and partnering with farmers markets to bring fresh fruits and vegetables into underserved communities. They already have the infrastructure with their thousands of locations. Now it‘s just a matter of working out the logistics," Stidham says.
"In the meantime, I always encourage my clients to look for the healthiest options available to them, wherever they shop. At Walgreens, that might mean choosing canned vegetables without added salt, whole grain cereals, low-fat dairy and minimally-processed snacks like nuts and seeds. Every little bit counts."
When You Can‘t Use EBT at Walgreens: Other Options
Of course, Walgreens isn‘t the only retailer where you can use your SNAP EBT or WIC benefits. If you don‘t live near a Walgreens or your local store doesn‘t accept those payment methods, there are plenty of other options to explore.
Most major grocery store chains are authorized SNAP and WIC retailers, including:
- Walmart
- Kroger and its subsidiaries (Ralphs, QFC, Dillons, etc.)
- Albertsons and its subsidiaries (Safeway, Vons, Tom Thumb, etc.)
- Publix
- Aldi
- Trader Joe‘s
- Whole Foods Market
You can also use your EBT card at many smaller retailers like:
- Local corner stores and bodegas
- Farmers markets
- Discount stores like Dollar General or Five Below
- Some convenience stores, truck stops and gas stations
For a full list of SNAP retailers near you, use the USDA‘s online store locator tool. Just enter your address or zip code to get an interactive map and detailed list of your closest options.
Similarly, each state maintains its own list of approved WIC vendors. Check with your local WIC office or visit your state health department‘s website to access the retailer directory. In general, most major pharmacy chains like CVS, Rite Aid and Duane Reade accept WIC.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, providing affordable access to nutritious food for all Americans is what SNAP, WIC and other nutrition assistance programs are all about. For the millions of people who rely on these benefits each month, knowing where and how to use them is crucial.
Walgreens, with its thousands of convenient locations around the country, is well-positioned to reach underserved communities and EBT/WIC shoppers. While not every Walgreens takes these benefits, the vast majority do accept EBT. For WIC, it‘s more hit-and-miss, so check with your local store.
If you do shop at Walgreens with your EBT or WIC card, you can access a decent selection of grocery staples, snacks and beverages. Use the tips we provided to stretch those benefits further, like watching for sales, clipping coupons and opting for store brands.
Most importantly, don‘t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, whether that means calling your Walgreens to clarify their policy or visiting a benefits counselor to ensure you‘re getting the maximum assistance you qualify for. There is absolutely no shame in using these programs to feed yourself and your family.
With a bit of savvy shopping and this guide in your back pocket, you‘ll be well on your way to making the most of your EBT and WIC benefits at Walgreens. Happy shopping!
