Does Target Accept WIC? And How To Use in 2024

Does Target Accept WIC, The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program plays a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children in the United States. One common question among WIC participants is whether major retailers like Target accept WIC benefits. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the relationship between Target and the WIC program, shedding light on how this retail giant supports WIC participants in accessing nutritious food for their families.

What is the WIC Program?

Before delving into Target’s involvement, let’s briefly understand the WIC program. WIC is a federal assistance program designed to provide nutrition education, nutritious foods, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies. The program aims to improve birth outcomes, promote healthy child development, and reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations.

Does Target Accept WIC

Yes, Target accepts WIC. You can use your WIC card to purchase eligible food items at any Target store in the United States. However, you cannot use WIC to purchase items online or through the Target app.

To use your WIC card at Target, you will need to present it to the cashier at checkout. The cashier will scan the card and apply your benefits to the purchase. You can also use WIC at the self-checkout kiosks, but you will need to let the attendant know that you are using WIC before you start scanning your items.

Here are some of the eligible food items that you can purchase with WIC at Target:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grain breads and cereals
• Peanut butter
• Canned fish
• Infant formula
• Baby food

You can find a complete list of eligible food items on the WIC website.

WIC Benefits and Accepted Retailers

WIC participants receive benefits in the form of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, similar to debit cards. These cards can be used to purchase specific nutritious foods approved by the WIC program. The types of foods covered by WIC benefits typically include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, infant formula, and baby food.

Do Target Stores Accept WIC?

Yes, Target stores do accept WIC benefits. Target is one of the many authorized retailers across the United States that participates in the WIC program. This means that eligible WIC participants can use their WIC EBT cards at Target stores to purchase approved items.

How to Use WIC Benefits at Target

Using WIC benefits at Target is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible for the WIC program by meeting income and nutritional risk criteria. WIC eligibility varies by state, so check with your local WIC agency for specific requirements.
2. Apply for WIC: If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for WIC benefits through your local WIC agency. They will determine your eligibility and issue you a WIC EBT card.
3. Visit Target: Once you have your WIC EBT card, you can visit any Target store that participates in the WIC program.
4. Shop for Approved Items: Look for the WIC-approved items, which are usually labeled with WIC shelf tags or stickers in the store. Select the items you need for your family.
5. Checkout: At the checkout counter, inform the cashier that you will be using your WIC EBT card. They will assist you in processing the transaction, ensuring that your eligible items are paid for using your WIC benefits.
6. Confirm Your Purchases: Before leaving the store, double-check your receipt to verify that your WIC benefits were correctly applied to your eligible items.

Conclusion, Target’s participation in the WIC program underscores its commitment to serving the diverse needs of its customers, including those who rely on federal assistance programs like WIC. By accepting WIC benefits, Target not only ensures access to essential and nutritious food items but also supports the mission of the WIC program in promoting the health and well-being of women, infants, and children. This partnership between Target and WIC contributes to fostering healthier families and communities across the United States.