Whole Foods does not accept WIC benefits at this time

Whole Foods Market stores do not take WIC vouchers or the WIC card (also called an EBT card when loaded with WIC funds). This is true across all Whole Foods locations in the United States, including those owned by Amazon.

If you shop at Whole Foods now, you will need to use a different store for your WIC purchases. The good news is that most conventional supermarkets do accept WIC, and many are closer to home than specialty grocers.

Key Takeaways

  • Whole Foods does not participate in the WIC program, so you cannot use WIC vouchers or your WIC card there.
  • Most large supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and Target accept WIC at their regular grocery locations.
  • Your state WIC program publishes a list of authorized retailers in your area, which you can check online or by phone.
  • WIC covers specific foods only — milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, and produce — regardless of which store you shop at.
  • You can use WIC and regular money in the same transaction, so you can buy WIC-approved foods with your benefits and other items with cash or a debit card.

How to find WIC-authorized stores near you

Your state WIC program maintains a searchable list of stores that accept WIC. You can find this list on your state's WIC website, usually under a tab labeled "Authorized Retailers" or "Find a Store." The list is updated regularly as stores join or leave the program.

If you do not have internet access, you can call your local WIC office and ask for a list of stores in your zip code. Many offices will mail or email you a list, or read store names and addresses over the phone. Your WIC caseworker also has this information and can point you to the closest participating store.

Large chains like Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, Target, and most regional supermarkets accept WIC. Many smaller independent grocers do as well. Specialty stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Sprouts do not participate.

What WIC covers at any authorized store

The foods you can buy with WIC are the same at every authorized store. WIC covers milk, cheese, eggs, dried beans and peas, peanut butter, breakfast cereal, whole wheat bread, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Some states also cover canned beans, canned fish, and infant formula.

You cannot use WIC to buy meat, prepared foods, snacks, or anything not on the approved list. The cashier's register will reject WIC-funded items that do not match your benefits. If you are unsure whether something is covered, ask the store manager or call your WIC office before you buy it.

How to use your WIC card at the checkout

When you are ready to pay, tell the cashier you are using WIC. Hand them your WIC card (EBT card) along with your ID. The cashier will swipe or insert the card and may ask you to enter your PIN. The register will deduct only the WIC-approved items from your WIC balance.

If you are buying items that are not covered by WIC — like meat, dairy products not on the list, or household supplies — you can pay for those separately with cash, a debit card, or a credit card in the same transaction. The store will ring up everything together, but the WIC card will only cover the approved foods.

Keep your receipt. It shows what was paid with WIC and what was paid another way. If there is ever a question about your balance or a transaction, the receipt is your proof.

Why some stores do not accept WIC

Stores choose whether to participate in WIC. Whole Foods and similar specialty grocers have decided not to join the program. This may be because the paperwork and compliance requirements are more work than they want to take on, or because their customer base does not include many WIC users.

Stores that do participate must follow WIC rules about pricing, stocking, and record-keeping. They also have to train cashiers on which items are approved and how to process WIC transactions correctly. Smaller stores sometimes find this burden too large.

What to do if your closest store does not accept WIC

If the supermarket nearest you does not accept WIC, call your WIC office and tell them. Some states have programs to help people in areas with few WIC retailers. You may be able to get a waiver to use a store that is farther away, or your state may work with stores in your area to join the program.

You can also ask the store manager at your preferred grocery whether they would consider becoming a WIC retailer. Stores sometimes join the program when customers request it. Managers can contact their state WIC program to learn about the process.

Using WIC at farmers markets and online

Some states allow WIC users to shop at farmers markets with their WIC card. This is called the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and it works differently than regular WIC shopping — you typically get a separate voucher or card loaded with a smaller amount of money to spend on produce at approved farmers markets.

Most states do not yet allow WIC to be used for online grocery orders, even at stores that accept WIC in person. This is changing slowly, but for now you will need to shop in a physical store. Check with your state WIC program to see whether online shopping is available where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC at Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods owned by Amazon?

No. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods do not accept WIC, even though Amazon owns Whole Foods. You will need to shop at a different authorized retailer for your WIC purchases.

What happens if I try to use my WIC card at a store that does not accept WIC?

The card will be declined. The register will not process the transaction, and the cashier will tell you the store does not participate in WIC. You will need to pay with another method or go to a different store.

Can I use WIC at multiple stores, or do I have to pick one?

You can use WIC at any authorized store. There is no rule saying you have to shop at the same place every time. Many people use WIC at whichever store is convenient that day.

Do WIC prices have to be the same at every store?

No. Stores set their own prices for WIC-approved foods, just like they do for other items. You may find better prices at one store than another, so it is worth comparing if you have multiple WIC retailers nearby.

What if a store says they accept WIC but the card does not work?

Ask to speak with a manager. There may be a technical problem with the register, or the store may have recently stopped accepting WIC without updating their information. The manager can troubleshoot or tell you whether the store still participates. If the problem persists, call your WIC office to report it.