Walmart is known for its "everyday low prices," but did you know the retail giant also accepts Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits at most locations? For the millions of low-income families who rely on WIC for supplemental nutrition assistance, being able to redeem benefits at Walmart can make a big difference in accessing affordable, healthy foods.
In fact, Walmart is the single largest retailer participating in the WIC program nationwide. According to the USDA, Walmart accounted for about 18% of all WIC redemptions in 2015, or nearly $1.2 billion in WIC sales. With over 4,700 stores across the U.S., Walmart‘s wide reach and low prices make it a popular choice for many WIC families.
"I like being able to get all my shopping done in one trip, and I know I‘m getting the best prices at Walmart," says Maria, a mother of two who receives WIC benefits in Texas. "It really helps stretch my food budget."
But while Walmart‘s participation in WIC can be a lifeline for families struggling to afford nutritious foods, some experts worry that the retailer‘s outsized influence on the program may have unintended consequences. Let‘s take a closer look at how WIC works at Walmart, the benefits and challenges for participants, and what it means for the program‘s goal of improving nutrition for low-income moms and kids.
What Is WIC and How Does It Work?
WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. WIC is administered at the state level, and each state sets its own eligibility requirements and approved food list.
To receive WIC benefits, participants must meet income guidelines and be deemed at nutritional risk by a health professional. Once enrolled, WIC recipients receive food vouchers or an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to purchase approved foods at participating retailers.
WIC food packages are designed to supplement participants‘ diets with specific nutrients that are important for healthy growth and development. According to the USDA, the foods provided through WIC are "high in one or more of the following nutrients: protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C."
The WIC program has evolved over time to provide more choice and flexibility for participants. In the past, WIC recipients were limited to specific food items and brands listed on their vouchers. But in 2009, the USDA implemented new rules to expand the types of foods allowed, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lower-fat dairy options.
And in recent years, many states have transitioned from paper vouchers to WIC EBT cards, which work like debit cards and can be used at any approved retailer. This change has made it easier for participants to redeem their benefits and has reduced the stigma associated with using WIC vouchers at the checkout.
Does Walmart Accept WIC?
Yes, Walmart does accept WIC at most locations nationwide. According to Walmart‘s website, "We gladly accept WIC benefits at all Walmart stores, Neighborhood Markets and Sam‘s Clubs in the United States, including Puerto Rico."
However, it‘s important to note that while most Walmart stores participate in the WIC program, some states may have additional requirements or restrictions for WIC-approved retailers. For example, in California, WIC-authorized stores must meet minimum stocking requirements for certain food categories. Therefore, it‘s always a good idea to check with your local Walmart to confirm they accept WIC before shopping.
What Items Are WIC-Eligible at Walmart?
The specific food items that are WIC-eligible can vary by state, but in general, WIC food packages include things like:
- Infant formula and cereal
- Baby food fruits and vegetables
- Milk, cheese, yogurt, and tofu
- Eggs
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Whole grain bread, pasta, tortillas, and brown rice
- Canned fish and beans
- Peanut butter
- Fruit juice
At Walmart, you can typically find WIC-approved items in the grocery aisles marked with shelf tags that say "WIC Approved" or have the WIC logo. Some common WIC-eligible brands sold at Walmart include:
- Parent‘s Choice infant formula and baby food
- Great Value milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Marketside fresh fruits and vegetables
- Great Value whole wheat bread and pasta
- Great Value canned beans, fish, and peanut butter
- Great Value and Minute Maid 100% juice
It‘s important to note that WIC benefits can only be used to purchase the specific food items and brands approved by your state‘s WIC program. For example, you may be able to buy any brand of milk with your WIC card, but only certain brands and sizes of cereal or juice.
Some WIC recipients have reported challenges finding their state‘s approved brands and sizes at Walmart, as the retailer stocks a limited selection compared to a full-service grocery store. "Sometimes it‘s hit or miss whether Walmart will have the WIC cereal I need in the right size box," says Sarah, a mom of two who receives WIC benefits in Florida. "I usually have to go to a couple different stores to find everything on my approved list."
This can be frustrating for WIC participants who are trying to maximize their benefits and avoid making multiple trips to different stores. However, Walmart says it is working to expand its WIC-approved offerings and improve the shopping experience for WIC families.
"We‘re committed to providing a wide selection of healthy, affordable food choices for all of our customers, including those using WIC benefits," a Walmart spokesperson told us. "We work closely with state WIC agencies to ensure we‘re stocking the right products at the right prices to meet our customers‘ needs."
How Does Walmart‘s WIC Selection and Pricing Compare to Other Retailers?
To get a sense of how Walmart‘s WIC offerings stack up against other major retailers, we compared the prices and selection of WIC-eligible items at Walmart, Target, and Kroger in three different states: Texas, Ohio, and Virginia.
In general, we found that Walmart had the lowest prices on WIC staples like milk, eggs, and fresh produce, while Target and Kroger offered a wider variety of WIC-approved brands and specialty items. For example, at a Walmart in Houston, Texas, a gallon of Great Value whole milk was priced at $2.48, compared to $2.99 for a gallon of Kroger brand milk and $3.29 for a gallon of Target‘s Market Pantry milk.
However, when it came to things like whole grain bread and cereal, we found more options at Kroger and Target that met the specific criteria for Texas‘ WIC program. A Kroger store in Dallas stocked six different brands of WIC-approved whole wheat bread, while the Walmart down the street only carried two.
Of course, prices and selection can vary widely from store to store, even within the same chain. And some WIC recipients may have limited retailer options in their area, making Walmart the most convenient or affordable choice.
"In my neighborhood, it‘s either Walmart or the corner bodega for groceries, and the bodega doesn‘t take WIC," says Tania, a WIC mom in Los Angeles. "So even though Walmart might not have everything I need, it‘s still my best option."
Maximizing Your WIC Benefits at Walmart
While Walmart‘s prices are often lower than other grocery stores, there are still ways to stretch your WIC benefits further. Here are some tips:
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Compare unit prices to find the best deals. Just because something is WIC-approved doesn‘t mean it‘s the cheapest option. Use the unit price (price per ounce or pound) to compare different brands and sizes and get the most for your money.
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Check Walmart‘s weekly ad for sales on WIC staples. Walmart often has promotions on things like milk, eggs, and fresh produce that can help you save even more. You can find the weekly ad online or in-store.
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Use coupons in addition to your WIC benefits. Walmart accepts manufacturer coupons and often has store coupons in their weekly ad or on their app. Just be sure to check that the item you‘re applying the coupon to is WIC-eligible.
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Price match if you find a lower price at another store. Walmart will match the advertised price of any local competitor for an identical item, as long as you show them the ad or online listing. This can be a great way to get the best deal without having to make multiple trips.
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Consider shopping at a Walmart Neighborhood Market if you have one nearby. These smaller format stores often have a wider selection of WIC-approved items than a Supercenter, and can be less overwhelming to navigate.
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Take advantage of Walmart‘s online grocery pickup and delivery options. Many Walmart locations now offer free pickup or low-cost delivery for online grocery orders, which can save you time and hassle. Just be sure to double-check that your WIC items are eligible for pickup or delivery in your area.
The Impact of Walmart‘s WIC Participation
Walmart‘s huge share of the WIC market has undoubtedly made it easier for many low-income families to access affordable, nutritious food. But some nutrition advocates worry that the retailer‘s focus on low prices and limited selection of WIC-approved items may not always align with the program‘s goals.
"Walmart‘s dominance in the WIC program is a double-edged sword," says Dr. Marlene Schwartz, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut. "On one hand, their low prices and widespread availability make it possible for more families to participate in WIC and stretch their benefits further. But on the other hand, Walmart‘s narrow assortment of WIC-approved items, particularly in the bread and cereal categories, may limit participants‘ access to the healthiest options."
A 2018 study by the Rudd Center found that Walmart stores in low-income neighborhoods "had significantly lower availability of healthy food items compared with other food retailers." The study‘s authors recommended that WIC programs work with Walmart to expand its offerings of healthy WIC-approved foods, particularly whole grains and low-sugar cereals.
To its credit, Walmart has made some efforts in recent years to improve the nutritional quality of its food offerings and labeling. In 2012, the retailer launched its "Great For You" icon, which appears on store-brand products that meet certain nutrition criteria, such as being low in fat, sugar, and sodium. And in 2019, Walmart announced a partnership with the nonprofit Partnership for a Healthier America to increase access to healthier options in underserved communities.
Still, some experts say there‘s more Walmart could do to support WIC families in making healthy choices, beyond just offering low prices. "Walmart has an opportunity to be a real leader in promoting nutrition for WIC participants," says Dr. Schwartz. "They could use their purchasing power to pressure manufacturers to create more WIC-eligible products that are truly nutritious, not just cheap. And they could do more to educate and empower WIC shoppers to make healthy choices within the constraints of their benefits."
The Bottom Line
If you‘re a WIC recipient wondering "Does Walmart take WIC?", the answer is most likely yes. Walmart accepts WIC at the vast majority of its stores nationwide, and you can use your benefits to purchase a variety of healthy foods for your family.
While there may be some limitations to using WIC at Walmart, such as a smaller selection of approved brands, the retailer‘s low prices and one-stop shopping convenience make it a popular choice for many WIC families. By following the tips outlined in this post, you can maximize your WIC benefits at Walmart and ensure you‘re getting the most nutritious foods possible.
Ultimately, where you choose to use your WIC benefits will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, your family‘s needs and preferences, and your state‘s specific WIC guidelines. But with a little planning and savvy shopping, you can make the most of your WIC dollars at Walmart or any other approved retailer.
As the nation‘s largest WIC vendor, Walmart has a unique opportunity and responsibility to support the health and well-being of millions of low-income families. By continuing to expand its selection of affordable, nutritious WIC-eligible foods and partnering with nutrition advocates to promote healthy choices, Walmart can play a vital role in improving food access and health outcomes for WIC participants across the country.
