There is public confusion on whether Walgreens accepts Wic or not, as conflicting answers are flooding the internet.
So I thought it would be a good idea to answer this question after conducting mountains of research about Walgreens in different States. But does Walgreens accept Wic?
I will break down the basics, tell you the accepted Walgreens across the states and take you through the step-by-step process of using WIC.
But first, you have to know that, indeed Walgreens accept Wic. However, the rules for using the WIC card at Walgreens stores vary from state to state, like with other SNAP benefits.
What Is WIC?
The WIC program is a federal nutrition assistance program designed to help pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children from low-income families acquire the nutrition they need to be healthy.
The program also helps those at nutritional risk due to certain chronic diseases.
The WIC program is funded by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and administered by states.
Each state sets its own eligibility criteria, which may vary according to local needs. Eligibility requirements also vary by county or another geographic area within a state.
WIC participants must meet income guidelines based on family size and resources such as food stamps or cash assistance.
Eligible participants must show proof of being enrolled in Medicaid or receiving other social services through the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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Does Walgreens Accept Wic?
Yes, Walgreens accepts WIC.
If you live in one of the 15 states that participate in the Women, Infants, and Children program, you may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price food at any Walgreens location.
The good news is that most Walgreen’s stores accept WIC (Women Infants Children), EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards, and food stamps.
Although, not all of their stores accept EBT. But for WIC, there is a limit on how many people can receive this assistance, which can vary in different states.
Therefore, you should contact your local health department or retailer for confirmation.
List Of Pharmacies Retail You Can Use WIC
Pharmacies are located throughout the state and can provide an essential service to low-income families.
However, not all stores will accept your WIC, which is why we have listed below a few retail pharmacies besides Walgreens that will wholeheartedly take WIC provided you’re eligible:
1. CVS
Yes, CVS accepts the WIC program –at least most of it.
Starting in 2022, CVS began accepting EBT cards at over 6,900 stores. But some locations did not take them, so you should check before going to your local store with the CVS store location finder.
Once you’ve identified the accepted ones, you can shop there. They will gladly accept your WIC and provide you with a list of nutritional items you can purchase at their store.
2. Rite Aid
Rite Aid is a pharmacy that offers a wide range of products, including over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, and supplements.
You can also find everything you need to take care of your home or garden and purchase it with your WIC.
They have a WIC clinic that provides well visits and nutritional counseling for pregnant women and new moms.
They also have a WIC grocery store where you can purchase fresh produce and other grocery items that you may not be able to find at other stores in your area.
With more than 4,800 Rite Aid stores nationwide, accepting EBT and WIC cards is just one of the many conveniences we can offer our customers. So there is no room to worry if WIC is all you have.
3. Walmart/pharmacy
Walmart stores accept WIC payments at all locations across the United States but do not offer an online shopping option. They also accept EBT and food stamps in their stores.
4. Target/pharmacy
Target accepts WIC just like many other retailers. You can use your WIC benefits at Target, but check the store’s policy because some locations will not take WIC. Even if they do, they have their criteria.
However, Target makes it easy to use your WIC card. Look for WIC-approved cereals, whole grains, and wheat bread — as well as milk, eggs, infant formula, and fruits/veggies — when you shop there.
We also encourage you to search for WIC Approved Grocery stores are many of them could be within your residence rather than drive miles to Walmart, Target, Rita Aid, or CVS.
Things You Can Buy With WIC
WIC provides the following foods:
- Baby Food
- Breakfast Cereal
- Canned Beans
- Cheese
- Dried Beans/Peas/Lentils
- Eggs
- Fish
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Infant Formula
- Juice for Children
- Juice for Women
- Milk
- Peanut Butter
- Soy Beverage
- Tofu
- Whole Grain Choices
- Yogurt
You also get free medications through your program if you’re eligible.
And there are no limits on how many times per month someone can receive coupons for their groceries through WIC—as long as they’re qualified, they can get them as many times as they want!
Difference Between SNAP And WIC Program?
The SNAP program, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and EBT and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) are government programs designed to help low-income families get nutritional food.
However, there are some critical differences between them.
WIC provides nutrition education and vouchers to low-income pregnant women, infants under age five, and children under age seven who are at nutritional risk due to inadequate diets or limited access to nutritious foods.
The WIC program does not have an income limit; however, pregnant women must be enrolled in Medicaid for their entire pregnancy before being eligible for WIC benefits.
The EBT card provides a certain amount of money each month that can be used to buy food. Among other things, you can use EBT almost anywhere that accepts debit or credit cards as payment.
Conclusion
If you are a Walgreens shopper and eligible for the program, you can save money on your prescription drugs using your EBT card.
One last thing, most Walgreens stores do accept it, so this shouldn’t discourage anyone from shopping there.
And if you want to know more about the possibility of getting Wic, visit your local Department of Health. ‘
Your state office can probably provide you with all the necessary information.